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PARADISE LOST. 

BOOK I. 

THK ARGUMENT. 

This First Book proposes, first in brief, the whole 
subject, Man's disobedience, and the loss thereupon 
of Paradise wherein he was placed: then touches thi^ 
prime cause of his fall, the Serpent, or rather Satan in 
the serpent; who revolting* from God, and drawing to 

I his side many leg-ions of Ang-els, was by the command 
of God driven out of Heaven, with all his crew, into 

I the great Deep. Which action passed over, the poem 
hastens into the midst of things, presenting Satan 

' with his Angels now fallen into Hell, described here, 
not in the Centre, (for heaven and earth may be 
supposed as yet not made, certainly not j^et accursed,) 

j bu. in a place of utter darkness, fitliest called Chaos: 
here Satan, with his Angels lying on the burning lake, 
thunder-struck and astonished, after a certain space 
recovers, as from confusion, calls up him who next in 

i order and dignity lay by him; they confer of their 

h miserable fall. Satan awakens all his legions, who 
lay till then in the same manner confounded; they 
rise, their numbers, array of battle, their chief leaders 
named, according to the idols known afterwards in 
Canaan and the countries adjoining. To these Satan 
directs his speech, comforts them with hopes yet of 
regaining Heaven, but tells them lastly of a new 
world and new kind of creature to be created, accord- 
ing to an ancient prophecy or report m Heaven ; for 
that Angels were long before this visible creation, was 
the opinion of many ancient Fathers. To find out the 
truth of this prophecy^ and what to determine there- 



2 PARADISE LOST, 

on, he refers to a full council. What his associates 
thence attempt. Pandemonium the palace of Satan 
rises, suddenly built out of the Deep ; the infernal 
Peers there sit in council. 



Of Man's first disobedience and the fruit 
Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste, 
Brought death into the World and all our woe, 
With loss of Kden, till one greater Man 
Restore us and regain the blissful seat, 
Sing, heavenly Muse, that, on the secret top 
Of Oreb or of Sinai, didst inspire 
That shepherd, who first taught the chosen seed 
In the beginning how the heavens and earth 
Rose out of Chaos. Or, if Sion hill lo [ 

Delight the more, and Siloa's brook that flowed r 
Fast by the oracle of God, I thence 
Invoke thy aid to my adventrous song, ' 

That with no middle flight intends to soar 
Above the Aonian mount, while it pursues 
Things unattempted yet in prose or rime. 

And chiefly thou, O Spirit, that dost prefer 
Before all temples the upright heart and pure. 
Instruct me, for thou knowest ; thou from the 

first 
Wast present, and, with mighty wings out- 
spread, 20 
Dovelike satest brooding on the vast Abyss, 
And madest it pregnant. What in me is dark 



BOOK I. 3 

Illumine, what is low raise and support ; 
That, to the highth of this great argument, 
I may assert eternal Providence, 
And justif)^ the ways of <G-od to men. 

Say first — for Heaven hides nothing from thy 

view, 
Nor the deep tract of Hell — say first what cause 
Moved our grand parents, in that happy state. 
Favored of Heaven so highly, to fall oiF 30 

From their Creator, and transgress his will, 
For one restraint lords of the world besides ; 
Who first seduced them to that foiil revolt. — 
The infernal Serpent ; he it was, whose guile, 
Stirred up with envy and revenge, deceived 
The mother of mankind, what time his pride 
Had cast him out from Heaven, with all his 

host 
Of rebel Angels, by whose aid, "aspiring 
To set himself in glory above his peers, 
He trusted to have equalled the Most High, 40 
If he opposed ; and with ambitious aim 
Against the throne and monarchy of God 
Raised impious war in Heaven and battle proud, 
With vain attempt. Him the almighty Powei 
Hurled headlong flaming from the ethereal sky. 
With hideous ruin and combustion, down 
To bottomless perdition ; there to dwells 
In Adamantine chains and penal fire,. 



i^ PARADISE LOST. 

Who durst defy the omnipotent to arms. 

Nine times the space that measures day and 

night 
To mortal men, he with his horrid crew 5 1 

Lay, vanquished, rolling in the fiery gulf. 
Confounded though immortal. But his doom 
Reserved him to more wrath ; for now the 

' thought 
Both of lost happiness and lasting pain 
Torments him. Round he throws his baleful 

eyes, 
That witnessed huge affliction and dismay, 
Mixed with obdurate pride and steadfast hate. 
At once, as far as Angel's ken, he views 
The dismal situation waste and wild. 60 

A dungeon horrible on all sides round 
As one great furnace flamed ; yet from those 

flames 
No light, but rather darkness visible 
Served only to discover sights of woe, 
Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where JJ^ac? 
And rest can never dwell, hope never cctues 
That comes to all ; but torture w'*/ .lOut ericl. 
Still urges, and a fiery delug^.^ fed 
With ever-burning sulph :.r anconsiime4. 
Such place eternal J';.3'dc€ had prepared 70 

For those reberious, here fnere prison ordained 
In utter dar ess, and za%it portion set, 



BOOK I. 5 

As far removed from God and light of Heaven 
As from the centre thrice to the utmost pole. 
Oh how unlike the place from whence they fell ! 
There the companions of his fall, o'erwhelmed 
With floods and whirlwinds of tempestuous fire, 
He soon discerns, and, weltering by his side, 
One next himself in power and next in crime. 
Long after known in Palestine and named 80 

Beelzebub: to whom the arch-eneni}^, 
And thence in Heaven called Satan, with bold 

words 
Breaking the horrid silence, thus began : 

"If thou beest he, — but oh how fallen ! how 
changed 
From him, who, in the happy realms of light, 
Clothed with transcendent brightness didst out- 
shine 
Myriads though bright ! — if he, whom mutual 

league. 
United thoughts and counsels, equal hope 
And hazard in the glorious enterprise 
Joined with me once, now misery hath joined 90 
In equal ruin . . .' into what pit thou seest 
From what highth fallen, so much the stronger 

proved 
He with his thunder. And till then who knew 
The force of those dire arms? Yet not for those, 
Nor what the potent victor in his rage 



6 PARADISE LOST. 

Can else inflict, do I repent or change, 
Though changed in outward lustre, that fixed 

mind. 
And high disdain from sense of injured merit, 
That with the Mightiest raised me to contend, 
And to the fierce contention brought along loo 
Innumerable force of Spirits armed, 
That durst dislike his reign, and, me preferring, 
His utmost power with adverse power opposed, 
In dubious battle on the plains of Heaven, 
And shook his throne. What though the field 

be lost, 
AH is not lost ; the unconquerable will, 
And study of revenge, immortal hate, 
And courage never to submit or yield, 
And what is else not to be overcome . . . 
That glory never shall his wrath or might i lo 
Extort from me. To bow and sue for grace 
With suppliant knee, and deify his power, 
Who, from the terror of this arm, so late 
Doubted his empire, — thajt were low indeed. 
That were an ignominy and shame beneath 
This downfall. Since by fate the strength of 

Gods 
And this empyreal substance cannot fail ; 
Since, through experience of this great event. 
In arms not worse, in foresight much advanced. 
We may with more successful hope resolve 120 



BOOK I. 7 

To wage by force or guile eternal war, 
Irreconcilable to our grand foe, 
Who now triumphs, and in the excess of joy 
Sole reigning holds the tyranny of Heaven . . .'* 

So spake the apostate Angel, though in pain, 
Vaunting aloud, but racked with deep despair ; 
And him thus answered soon his bold compeer : 

*'0 priftce, O chief of many throned Powers, 
That led the embattled Seraphim to war 
Under thy conduct, and, in dreadful deeds, 130 
Fearless endangered Heaven's perpetual King, 
And put to proof his high supremac}^ 
Whether upheld by strength, or chance, or fate ; 
Too well I see and rue the dire event. 
That, with sad overthrow and foul defeat, 
Hath lost us Heaven, and all this mighty host 
In horrible destruction laid thus low. 
As far as Gods and heavenly essences 
Can perish ; for the mind and spirit remains 
Invincible, and vigor soon returns, 140 

Though all our glory extinct, and happy state 
Here swallowed up in endless misery. 
But what if he our conqueror — whom I now 
Of force believe almighty, since no less 
Than such could have o'erpow'red such force as 

ours — 
Have left us this our spirit and strength entire, 
Strongly to suffer and support our pains, 



8 PARADISE LOST. 

That we may so suffice his vengeful ire, 

Or do him mightier service, as his thralls 

By right of war, whate'er his business be ; 150 

Here in the heart of Hell to work in fire, 

Or do his errands in the gloomy Deep ! 

What can it then avail, though yet we feel 

Strength undiminished, or eternal being 

To undergo eternal punishment ?" 

V/hereto with speedy words the Arch- Fiend 

replied : 
"Fallen Cherub, to be weak is miserable 
Doing or suffering. But of this be sure, 
To do aught good never will be our task ; 
But ever to do ill our sole delight, 160 

As being the contrary to his high will 
Whom we resist. If then his providence 
Out of our evil seek to bring forth good, 
Our labor must be to pervert that end; 
And out of good still to find means of evil ; 
Which oft-times may succeed, so as perhaps 
Shall grieve him, if I fail not, and disturb 
His inmost counsels from their destined aim.— 
But see 1 the angry victor hath recalled 
His ministers of vengeance and pursuit 170 

Back to the gates of Heaven ; the sulphurous 

hail, 
Shot after us in storm, o'erblown hath laid 
The fiery surge, that from the precipice 



BOOK I. 9 

Of Heaven received us falling ; and the thunder, 
Winged with red lightning and impetuous rage, 
Perhaps hath spent his shafts, and ceases now 
To bellow through the vast and boundless Deep. 
Let us not slip the occasion, whether scorn 
Or satiate fury yield it from our foe. 
Seest thou you dreary plain, forlorn and 
wild, i8o 

The seat of desolation, void of light, 
Save what the glimmering of these livid flames 
Casts pale and dreadful ? Thither let us tend 
From off the tossing of these fiery waves, 
There rest, if any rest can harbor there, 
And, reassembling our afflicted powers, 
Consult how we may henceforth most offend 
Our enemy, our own loss how repair, 
How overcome this dire calamity. 
What reinforcement we may gain from hope, 1 90 
If not what resolution from despair. ' ' 

Thus Satan, talking to his nearest mate. 
With head up-lift above the wave, and eyes 
That sparkling blazed ; his other parts besides 
Prone on the flood, extended long and large, 
Lay floating many a rood, in bulk as huge 
As whom the fables name of monstrous size 
Titanian or Earth-born, that warred on Jove, 
Briareos or Typhon, whom the den 
By ancient Tarsus held, or that sea- beast 200 



lo PARADISE LOST. 

Leviathan, which God of all his works 
Created hughest that swim the ocean-stream — 
Him, haply slumbering on the Norway-foam, 
The pilot of some small night-foundered skiflf 
Deeming some island, oft, as sea'men tell, 
With fixed anchor in his scaly rind, 
Moors by his side under the lee, while night 
Invests the sea, and wished morn delays — 
So stretched out huge in length the Arch-Fiend 

lay, 
Chained on the burning lake, nor even thence 210 
Had risen or heaved his head, but that the will 
And high permission of all-ruling Heaven 
Left him at large to his own dark designs, 
That with reiterated crimes he might 
Heap on himself damnation, while he sought 
Evil to others, and enraged might see 
How all his malice served but to bring forth 
Infinite goodness, grace and mercy shewn 
On Man by him seduced, but on himself 
Treble confusion, wrath and vengeance 

poured 220 

Forthwith upright he rears from off the pool 
His mighty stature. On each hand the flames 
Driven backward'slope their pointing spires, and, 

rolled 
In billows, leave in the midst a horrid vale. 
Then with expanded wings he steers his flight 



BOOK I. If 

Aloft, incumbent on the dusky air, 

That felt unusual weight, till on dry land 

He lights ; if it were land that ever burned 

With solid, as the lake with liquid fire, 

And such appeared in hue, as when the force 230 

Of subterranean wind transports a hill 

Torn from Pelorus, or the shattered side 

Of thundering ^tna, whose conbustible 

And fuelled entrails, thence conceiving fire, 

Sublimed with mineral fury aid the winds. 

And leave a singed bottom all involved 

With stench and smoke — such resting found the 

sole 
Of unblest feet. Him followed his next mate. 
Both glorying to have 'scaped the Stygian flood 
As Gods, and by their own recovered strength, 240 
Not by the sufferance of supernal Power. 

"Is this the region, this the soil, the clime," 
Said then the lost Archangel, ' ' this the seat, 
That we must change for Heaven ? this mournful 

gloom 
For that celestial light? Be it so, since he, 
Who now is sovran, can dispose and bid 
What shall be right; furthest from him is beat, 
Whom reason hath equalled, force hath made 

supreme 
Above his equals. Farewell happy fields, 
Where joy for ever dwells! hail, horrors! hail, 250 



12 PARADISE LOST. 

Infernal world! and thou, profoundest Hellj 
Receive thy new possessor^ one who brings 
A mind not to be changed by place or time. 
The mind is its own place, and in itself 
Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven. 
What matter where if I be stilt the same, 
And what I should be, all but less than he 
Whom thunder hath made greater. Here at least 
We shall be free; the Almighty hath not built 
Here for his envy, will not drive us hence; 260 
Here we may reign secure, aird in my choice 
To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell, — 
Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven. 
But wherefore let me then our faithful friends, 
The associates and copartners of our loss, 
Lie thus astonished on the oblivious pool, 
And call them not to share with us their part 
In this unhappy mansion, or once more 
With rallied arms to try what may be yet 
Regained in Heaven, or what more lost in Hell? " 
So Satan spake, and him Beelzebub 271 

Thus answered: * ' Leader of those armies bright, 
Which but the Omnij)otent none could have 

foiled. 
If once they hear that voice, their liveliest pledge 
Of hope in fears and dangers, heard so oft 
In worst extremes, and on the perilous edge 
Of battle, when it raged, in all assaults 



BOOK I. 13 

Their surest signal, they will soon resume 
New courage and revive, though now they lie 
Grovelling and prostrate on yon lake of fire, 280 
As we erewhile, astounded and amazed,— 
No wonder, fallen such a pernicious highth." 

He scarce had ceased when the superior Fiend 
Was moving toward the shore, his ponderous 

shield. 
Ethereal temper, mass}^ large, and round, 
Behind him cast. The broad circumference 
Hung on his shoulders like the moon, whose orb 
Through optic glass the Tuscan artist views 
At evening, from the top of Fesole, 
Or in Valdarno, to descry new lands, 290 

Rivers or mountains in her spotty globe. 
His spear — to equal which the tallest pine 
Hewn on Norwegian hills, to be the mast 
Of some great ammiral, were but a wand — 
He walked with, to support uneasy steps 
Over the burning marie, not like those steps 
On Heaven's azure; and the torrid clime 
Smote on him sore besides, vaulted with fire. 
Nathless he so endured, till on the beach 
Of that inflamed sea he stood, and called 300 
His legions, Angel-forms, who lay entranced. 
Thick as autumnal leaves that strow the brooks 
In Vallombrosa, where the Etrurian shades 
High ever-arched embower; or scattered sedge 



14 PARADISE LOST, 

Afloat, when with fierce w^nds Orion armed 
Hath vexed the Red-sea coast, whose waves 

o'er threw 
Busiris and his Memphian chivalry, 
While with perfidious hatred they pursued 
The sojourners of Goshen, who beheld 
From the safe shore their floating carcases 310 
And broken chariot-wheels; so thick bestrown, 
Abject and lost, lay these, covering the flood, 
Under amazement of their hideous change. 
He called so loud that all the hollow deep 
Of Hell resounded: "Princes, Potentates, 
Warriors, the flower of Heaven, once yours, now 

lost, 
If such astonishment as this can seize 
Eternal Spirits. Or have ye chosen this place 
After the toil of battle to repose 
Your wearied virtue, for the ease you find 320 
To slumber here, as in the vales of Heaven? 
Or in this abject posture have ye sworn 
To adore the conqueror — who now beholds 
Cherub and Seraph rolling in the flood. 
With scattered arms and ensigns — tilt anon 
His swift pursuers from Heaven-gates discern 
The advantage, and descending tread us down, 
Thus drooping, or with linked thunderbolts 
Transfix us to the bottom of this gulf ?— 
Awake! arise! or be for ever fallen." 330 



BOOK I. 15 

They heard and were abashed, and up they 

sprung 
Upon the wing; as when men wont to watch, 
On duty sleeping found by whom they dread. 
Rouse and bestir themselves ere well awake. 
Nor did they not perceive the evil plight 
Xn which they were, or the fierce pains not feel; 
Yet to their general's voice they soon obeyed, 
Innumerable. As when the potent rod 
Of Amram's son, in Egypt's evil day, 
Waved round the coast, up-called a pitchy 

cloud 340 

Of locusts,, warping on the eastern wind. 
That o'er the realm of impious Pharaoh hung 
lyike night, and darkened all the land of Nile : 
So numberless were those bad Angels seen, 
Hovering on wing under the cope of Hell, 
'Twixt upper, nether, and surrounding fires; 
Till, as a signal given, the uplifted spear 
Of their great Sultan waving to direct 
Their course, in even balance down they light 
On the firm brimstone, and fill all the plain; 350 
A multitude, like which the populous North 
Poured never from her frozen loins, to pass 
Rhene or the Danaw, when her barbarous sons 
Came like a deluge on the South, and spread 
Beneath Gibraltar to the lyibyan sands. 
Forthwith, from every squadron and each band, 



'ie PARAlflSE LOST. 

The heads and leaders thither haste where stood 
Their great commander, godlike shapes, and 

forms 
Excelling human, princely dignities. 
And Powers that erst in Heaven sat on thrones; 360 
Though of their names in heavenly records now 
Be no memorial, blot\ed out and razed 
Bj^ their rebellion from the books of life. 
Nor had they yet among the sons of Eve 
Got them new names, till wandering o'er the 

Earth, 
Through God's high sufferance for the trial of 

man. 
By falsities and lies the greatest part 
Of mankind they corrupted to forsake 
God their Creator, and the invisible 
Glory of him that made them to transform 370 
Oft to the image of a brute, adorned 
With gay religions full of pomp and gold. 
And devils to adore for deities. 
Then were they known to men by various names 
And various idols, through the heathen world. 
Say, Muse, their names then known, who first, 

who last. 
Roused from the slumber on that fiery couch, 
At their great emperor's call, as next in worth, 
Came singly where he stood on the bare strand, 
While the promiscuous crowd stood yet aloof. 380 



BOOK!. 17^ 

The chief were those who, from the pit of Hell 
Roaming to seek their prey on Earth, durst fix 
Their seats long after next the seat of God, 
Their altars by his altar, Gods adored 
Among the nations round, and durst abide 
Jehovah thundering out of Sion, throned 
Between the Cherubim; yea, often placed 
Within his sanctuary itself their shrines, 
Abominations; and with cursed things 
His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned, 390 
And with their darkness durst affront his light. 
First Moloch, horrid king, besmeared with 

blood 
Of human sacrifice and parents' tears, 
Though, for the noise of drums and timbrels 

loud. 
Their children's cries unheard, that passed 

through fire 
To his grim idol. Him the Ammonite 
Worshiped in Rabba and her watery plain, 
In Argob and in Basan, to the stream 
Of utmost Arnon. Nor content with such 
Audacious neighbourhood, the wisest heart 400 
Of Solomon he led by fraud to build 
His temple right against the temple of God, 
On that opprobrious hill, and made his grove 
The pleasant valley of Hinnom, Tophet thence 
And black Gehenna called, the type of Hell. 



i8 PARADISE LOST. 

Next Chemos, the obscene dread of Moab's sons, 

From Aroar to Nebo and the wild 

Of southmost Abarim; in Hesebon 

And Horonaim, Seon's realm, beyond 

The flowery dale of Sibma clad with vines, 410 

And Bleale to the Asphaltic pool. 

Peor his other name, when he enticed 

Israel, in Sittim on their march from Nile, 

To do him wanton rites, which cost them woe. 

Yet thence his lustful orgies he enlarged 

Even to that hill of scandal, by the grove 

Of Moloch homicide, lust hard by hate; 

Till good Josiah drove them thence to Hell. 

With these came they, who, from the bordering 

flood 
Of old Euphrates to the brook that parts 420 

Egypt from Syrian ground, had general names 
Of Baalim and Ashtaroth, those male, 
These feminine: for Spirits when they please 
Can either sex assume, or both; so soft 
And uncompounded is their essence pure, 
Not tied or manacled with joint or limb, 
Non founded on the brittle strength of bones, 
I^ike cumbrous flesh; but in what shape they 

choose, 
Dilated or condensed, bright or obscure, 
Can execute their aery purposes, 430 

And works of love or enmity fulfil. 



BOOK I. 19 

M)r those the race of Israel oft forsook 
Their living Strength, and unfrequented left 
His righteous altar, bowing lowly down 
To bestial Gods ; for which their heads, as low 
Bowed down in battle, sunk before the spear 
Of despicable foes. With these in troop 
Came Astoreth, whom the Phoenicians called. 
Astarte, queen of heaven, with crescent horns ; 
To whose bright image, nightly by the moon, 440 
Sidonian virgins paid their vows and songs; 
In Sion also not unsung, where stood 
Her temple on the offensive mountain, built 
By that uxorious king, whose heart, though 

large. 
Beguiled by fair idolatresses, fell 
To idols foul. Thammuz came next behind, 
Whose annual wound in Xebanon allured 
The Syrian damsels to lament his fate, 
in amorous ditties all a summer's daj^, 
While smooth Adonis from his native rock 450 
Ran purple to the sea, supposed with blood 
Of Thammuz yearly wounded. The love-tale 
Infected Sion's daughters with like heat, 
Whose wanton passions in the sacred porch 
Kzekiel saw, when, by the vision led. 
His eye surveyed the dark idolatries 
Of alienated Judah. Next came one 
Who mourned in earnest, when the captive ark 



20 , PARADISE LOST. 

Maimed his brute image, head and hands lopt off, 
In his own temple, on the gruusel edge, 460 

Where he fell flat and shamed his worshipers, 
^agon his name, sea monster, upward man 
And downward fish ; y^X. had his temple high 
Reared in Azotus, dreaded through the coast 
Of Palestine, in Gath and Ascalon, 
And Accaron and Gaza's frontier bounds. 
Him followed Rimmon, whose delightful seat 
Was fair Damascus, on the fertile banks 
Of Abana and Pharphar, lucid streams. 
He also against the house of God was bold ; 470 
A leper once he lost and gained a king, 
Ahaz his sottish conqueror, whom he drew 
God's altar to disparage and displace 
For one of Syrian mode, whereon to burn 
His odious offerings, and adore the Gods 
Whom he had vanquished. After these appeared 
A crew, who, under names of old renown, 
Osiris, Isis, Orus, and their train, 
With monstrous shapes and sorceries abused 
Fanatic Egypt and her priests to seek 480 

Their wandering Gods disguised in brutish forms 
Rather than human. Nor did Israel 'scape 
The infection, when their borrowed gold com- 
posed 
The calf in Oreb, and the rebel king 
Doubled that sin in Bethel and in Dan, 



BOOK I. 2X 

Likening his Maker to the grazed b:2<:, 
Jehovah, who, in one night when he passed 
From Egypt marching, equalled with one stroke 
Both her first-born and all her bleating gods. 
Belial came last, than whom a Spirit more lewd 
Fell not from Heaven, or more gross to love 491 
Vice for itself. To him no temple stood 
Or altar smoked; yet who more oft than he 
In temples and at altars, when the priest 
Turns atheist, as did Eli's sons, who filled 
With lust and violence the house of God ? 
In courts and palaces he also reigns, 
And in luxurious cities, where the noise 
Of riot ascends above their loftiest towers, 
And injury and outrage; and when night 50b 
Darkens the streets, then wander forth the sons 
Of Belial, flown with insolence and wine. 
Witness the streets of Sodom and that night 
In Gibeah, when the hospitable door 
Exposed a matron to avoid worse rape. 

These were the prime in order and in might ; 
The rest were long to tell, though far renowned, 
The Ionian gods, of Javan's issue held 
Gods, yet confessed later than Hea-ven and Earth, 
Their boasted parents ; Titan, Heaven's first- 
born. 
With his enormous brood, and birthright 
seized 511 



22 PARADISE LOST. 

By younger Saturn ; he from mightier Jove, 
His own add Rhea's son, like measure found ; 
So Jove usurping reigned. These first in Crete 
And Ida known, thence on the snowy top 
Of cold Olympus ruled the middle air, 
Their highest heaven ; or on the Delphian cliflf, 
Or in Dodona, and through all the bounds 
Of Doric land ; or who with Saturn old 
Fled over Adria to the Hesperian fields, 520 

And o'er the Celtic roamed the utmost isles. 
All these and more came flocking ; but with 

looks 
Downcast and damp, yet such wherein appeared 
Obscure some glimpse of joy to have found their 

chief 
Not in despair, to have found themselves not lost 
In loss itself ; which on his countenance cast 
I^ike doubtful hue. But he, his wonted pride 
Soon recollecting, with high words, that bore 
Semblance of worth not substance, gently raised 
Their fainting courage, and dispelled their 

fears ; 530 

Then straight commands that, at the warlike 

sound 
Of trumpets loud and clarions, be up-reared 
His mighty standard. That proud honour 

claimed 
Azazel as his right, a Cherub tall ; 



BOOK L 23 

Who forthwith from the glittering staff unfurfed 
The imperial ensign, which, full high advanced, 
Shone like a meteor streaming to the wind, 
With gems and golden lustre rich emblazed, 
Seraphic arms and trophies ; all the while 
Sonorous metal blowing martial sounds : 540 

At which the universal host up-sent 
A shout that tore Hell's concave, and beyond 
Frighted the reign of Chaos and old Night. 
All in a moment through the gloom were seen 
Ten thousand banners rise into the air, 
With orient colours waving; with th^m rose 
A forest huge of spears; and thronging helms 
Appeared, and serried sheilds in thick array 
Of depth immeasurable. Anon they move 
In perfect phalanx, to the Dorian mood 550 

Of flutes and soft recorders; such as raised 
To highth of noblest temper heroes old, 
Arming to battle, and instead of rage 
Deliberate valour breathed, firrn and unmoved 
With dread of death to flight or foul retreat; 
For wanting power to mitigate and swage 
With solemn touches troubled thoughts, and 

chase 
Anguish and doubt and fear and sorrow and pain 
From mortal or immortal minds. Thus they. 
Breathing united force with fixed thought, 560 
Moved on in silence, to soft pipes that charmed 



24 PARADISE LOST. 

Their painful steps o'er the burnt soil; and now 
Advanced in view they stand, a horiid front 
Of dreadful length and dazzling arms, in guise 
Of warriors old, with ordered spear and shield, 
Awaiting what command their mighty chief 
Had to impose. He through the armed files 
Darts his experienced eye, and soon traverse 
The whole battalion views, their order due, 
Their visages and statures as of Gods; 570 

Their number last he sums. And now his heart 
Distends with pride, and, hardening in his 

strength. 
Glories; for never, since created man, 
Met such embodied force as named with these 
Could merit more than that small infantry 
Warred on by cranes: though all the giant-brood 
Of Phlegra with the heroic race were joined 
That fought at Thebes and Ilium, on each side 
Mixed with auxiliar Gods; and what resounds 
In fable or romance of Uther's son, 580 

Begirt with British and Armoric knights; 
And all who since, baptized or infidel, 
Jousted in Aspramont or Montalban, 
Dam as CO or Marocco or Trebisond, 
Or whom Biserta sent from Afric shore. 
When Charlemain with all his peerage fell 
By Foutarabbia. Thus far these beyond 
Compare of mortal prowess, yet observed 



BOOK L 25 

Their dread commander. He, above the rest 
In shape and gesture proudly eminent, 59G 

Stood like a tower; his form had yet not lost 
All her original brightness, nor appeared 
Less than Archangel ruined, and the excess 
Of glory obscured. As when the sun new-risen 
lyooks through the horizontal misty air 
Shorn of his beams, or, from behind the moon. 
In dim eclipse disastrous twilight sheds 
On half the nations, and with fear of change 
Perplexes monarchs: darkened so yet shone 
Above them all the Archangel; but his face 600 
Deep scars of thunder had intrenched, and care 
Set on his faded cheek, but under brows 
Of dauntless courage and considerate pride. 
Waiting revenge. Cruel his eye, but cast 
Signs of remorse and passion to behold 
The fellows of his crime, the followers rather 
— Far other once beheld in bliss — condemned 
For ever now to have their lot in pain; 
Millions of Spirits for his fault amerced 
Of Heaven, and from eternal spendours flung 610 
For his revolt, yet faithful how they stood, 
Tneir glory withered: as, when heaven's fire 
Hath scathed the forest- oaks or mountain-pines, 
With signed top their stately growth though bare 
Stands on the blastea heath. He now prepared 
To speak; whereat their doubled ranks they bend 



26 PARADISE LOST. 

From wing to wing, and half enclose him round 
With all his peers; attention held them mute. 
Thrice he assayed, and thrice, in spite of scorn, 
Tears, such as Angels weep, burst forth; at 
last 620 

Words interwove with sighs found out their way. 

' 'O myriads of immortal Spirits, O Powers 
Matchless, but with the Almighty; and that 

■ strife 
Was n6t inglorious, though the event was dire, 
As this place testifies, and this dire change 
Hateful to utter. But what power of mind, 
Foreseeing or presaging, from the depth 
Of knowledge past or present, could have feared 
How such united force of Gods, how such 
As stood like these, could ever know repulse? 630 
For who can yet believe, though after loss, 
That all these puissant legions, whose exile 
Hath emptied Heaven, shall fail to re-ascend, 
Self-raised, and repossess their native seat ? 
For me be witness all the host of Heaven 
If counsels different, or danger shunned 
By me, have lost our hopes. But he, who reigns 
Monarch in Heaven, till then as one secure 
Sat on his throne, upheld by old repute, 
Consent or custom, and his regal state 640 

Put forth at full, but still his strength concealed, 



BOOK I. 27 

Which tempted our attempt, and wrought our 

fall. 
Henceforth his might we know, and know our 

own, 
So as not either to provoke, or dread 
New war provoked; our better part remains 
To work in close design, by fraud or guile, 
What force affected not; that he no less 
At length from us may find, who overcomes 
By force hath overcome but half his foe. 
Space may produce new worlds; whereof so rife 650 
There w^ent a fame in Heaven that he ere long 
Intended to create, and therein plant 
A generation, whom his choice regard 
Should favor equal to the sons of Heaven. 
Thither, if but to pry, shall be perhaps 
Our first eruption, thither or elsewhere; 
For this infernal pit shall never hold 
Celestial Spirits in bondage, nor the Abyss 
Long under darkness cover. But these thoughts 
Full counsel must mature. Peace is despaired — 
For who can think submission ? — war then, 

war, 661 

Open or understood, must be resolved." 

He spake, and to confirm his words out-flew 
Millions of flaming swoids, drawn from the thighs 
Of mighty Cherubim; the sudden blaze 
Far round illumined Hell. Highly they raged 



28 PARADISE LOST. 

Against the Highest, and fierce, with grasped 

arms, 
Clashed on their sounding shields the din of war, 
Hurling defiance toward the vault of Heaven. 

There stood a hill not far, whose grisly top 670 
Belched fire and rolling smoke; the rest entire 
Shone with a glossy scurf, undoubted sign 
That in his womb was hid metallic ore, 
The. work of sulphur. Thither, winged with 

speed, 
A numerous brigade hastened: as when bands 
Of pioneers, with spade and pickaxe armed, 
Forerun the royal camp, to trench a field 
Or cast a rampart. Mammon led them on, 
Mammon, the least erected Spirit that fell 
From Heaven; for even in Heaven his looks and 

thoughts 680 

Were always downward bent, admiring more 
The riches of Heaven's pavement, trodden gold, 
Than aught divine or holy else enjoyed 
In vision beatific. By him first 
Men also, and b}^ his suggestion taught. 
Ransacked the centre, and with impious hands 
Rifled the bowels of their mother-earth 
For treasures better hid. Soon had his crew 
Opened into the hill a spacious wound. 
And digged out ribs of gold. Let none 

admire 6go 



BOOK L J9 

That riches grow in Hell; that soil may best 
Deserve the precious bane. And here let those 
Who boast in mortal things, and wondering tell 
Of Babel and the works of Memphian kings, 
Learn how their greatest monuments of fame 
And strength and art are easily outdone 
By Spirits reprobate, and in an hour 
What in an age they, with incessant toil 
And hands innumerable, scarce perform. 
Nigh on the plain in many cells prepared, 700 
That underneath had veins of liquid fire 
Sluiced from the lake, a second multitude 
With wondrous art founded the massy ore, 
Severing each kind, and scummed the bullion 

dross; 
A third as soon had formed within the ground 
A various mould and from the boiling cells 
By strange conveyance filled each hollow nook; 
As in an organ, from one blast of wind, 
To many a row of pipes the sound-board breathes. 
Anon out of the earth a fabric huge 710 

Rose, like an exhalation, with the sound 
Of dulcet symphonies and voices sweet. 
Built like a temple, where pilasters r-iund 
Were set, and Doric pillars overlaid 
With golden architrave; nor did there want 
Cornice or frieze, with bossy sculptures graven; 
The roof was fretted gold. Not Babylon 



30 PARADISE LOST, 

Nor great Alcairo such magnificence 
Equalled in all their glories, to enshrine 
Belus or Serapis their gods, or seat 720 

Their kings, when Egypt with Assyria strove 
In wealth and luxurj^ The ascending pile 
Stood, fixed her stately highth, and straight the 

doors 
Opening their brazen folds discover wide 
Within her ample spaces, o'er the smooth 
And level pavement. From the arched roof 
Pendent, by subtle magic, many a row 
Of starry lamps and blazing cressets, fed 
With naphtha and asphaltus, yielded light 
As from a sky. The hasty multitude 730 

Admiring entered, and the work some praise 
And some the architect. His hand w^as known 
In Heaven by many a towered structure high, 
Where sceptred Angels held their residence. 
And sat as princes, whom the supreme King 
Exalted to such power, and gave to rule, 
Each in his hierarchy, the orders bright: 
Nor was his name unheard or unadored 
In ancient Greese ; and in Ausonian land 
Men called him Mulciber; and how he fell 740 
From Heaven they fabled, thrown by angry Jove 
Sheer o'er the crystal battlements; from morn 
To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve, 
A summer's day; and with the setting sun 



BOOK I. 31 

Dropt from the zenith, like a falling star, 

On Lemnos, the ^gsean isle. Thus they relate, 

Erring, for he with this rebellious rout 

Fell long before: nor aught availed him now 

To have built in Heaven high towers, nor did he 

'scape 
By all his engines, but was headlong sent 750 
With his industrious crew to build in Hell. 

Meanw^hile the winged haralds, by command 
Of sovran power, with awful ceremony 
And trumpet's sound, throughout the host pro- 
claim 
A solemn council forthwith to be held 
At Pandemonium, the high capital 
Of Satan and his peers. Their summons called, 
From every band and squared regiment, 
By place or choice the worthiest; they anon 
With hundreds and with thousands trooping 

came 
Attended. All access was thronged, the gates 761 
And porches wide, but chief the spacious hall — 
Though like a covered field,- where champions 

bold 
Wont ride in armed, and, at the Soldan's chair, 
Defied the best of Panim chivalry 
To mortal combat, or career with lance — 
Thick swarmed, both on the ground and in the 
air, 



32 PARADISE LOST. 

Brushed with the hiss of rustling wings. As 

bees, 
In spring-time when the sun with Taurus rides, 
Pour forth their populous youth about the 

hive 770 

In clusters; they, among fresh dews and flowers, 
Fly to and fro, or on the smoothed plank. 
The suburb of their straw-built citadel. 
New rubbed with balm, expatiate and confer 
Their state-affairs: so thick the aery crowd • 
Swarmed and were straitened; till, the signal 

given, 
Behold a wonder I They but now who seemed 
In bigness to surpass earth's giant-sons, 
Now less than smallest dwarfs in narrow room 
Throng numberless, like that pygmean race 780 
Bej^ond the Indian mount, or faery elves, 
Whose midnight revels, by a forest- side 
Or fountain, some belated peasant sees, 
Or dreams he sees, while overhead the moon 
Sits arbitress, and nearer to the earth 
Wheels her pale course; they, on their mirth and 

' dance 
Intent, with jocund music charm his ear: 
At once with joy and fear his heart rebounds. 
Thus incorporeal Spirits to smallest forms 
Reduced their shapes immense, and were at 

large. 



BOOK /.. 33 

Though without number still, amidst the hall 791 
Of that infernal court. But far within, 
And in their own dimensions like themselves, 
The great Seraphic Lords and Cherubim 
tn close recess and secret conclave sat, 
A. thousand demi-gods on golden seats, 
Frequent and full. After short silence then 
A.nd summons read the great consult began. 



PARADISE LOST. 



BOOK II. 



THE VjlGUMENT. 



The consultation begun, Satan debates whether 
another battle be to be hazarded for the recovery of 
Heaven; some advise it, others dissuade: a third pro- 
posal is preferred, mentioned before by Satan, to 
search the truth of that prophecy or tradition in 
Heaven concerning' another world, and another kind 
of creature, equal or not much inferior to themselves, 
about this time to be created; their doubt who shall 
be sent on this difficult search; Satan their cliief 
undertakes alone the voyage, is honoured and 
applauded. The council thus ended, the rest betake 
them several ways, and to several employments, as 
their inclinations lead them, to entertain the time till 
Satan return. He passes on his journey to Hell-gates, 
finds them shut, and who sat there to guard them, by 
whom at length they are opened, and discover to him 
the great gulf between Hell and Heaven; with what 
difficulty he passes through, directed by Chaos, the 
power of that place, to the sigh'*" of this new World 
which he sought. 

HiGiron a throne of royal state — which far 
Outshone the wealth of Ormuz and of Ind, 
Or where the gorgeous East with richest hand 
Showers on her kings barbaric pearl and gold — 



BOOK IL 35 

Satan exalted sat, by merit raised 
To that bad eminence; and, from despair 
Thus high uplifted beyond hope, aspires 
Beyond thus high, insatiate to pursue 
Vain war with Heaven, and, by success untaught, 
He proud imaginations thus displayed. lo 

' 'Powers and Dominions, deities of Heaven — 
For since no Deep within her gulf can hold 
Immortal vigour, though oppressed and fallen, 
I give not Heaven for lost; from this descent 
Celestial virtues rising will appear 
More glorious and more dread than from no fall, 
And trust therhselves to fear no second fate — 
Me though just right, and the fixed laws of 

Heaven, 
Did first create your leader, next free choice, 
With what besides, in counsel or in fight, 20 

Hath been achieved of merit, yet this loss 
Thus far at least recovered hath much more 
Established in a safe unenvied throne, 
Yielded with full consent. The happier state 
In Heaven, which follows dignity, might draw 
Envy from each inferior; but who here 
Will envy whom the highest place exposes 
Foremost to stand against the Thunderer's aim 
Your bulwark, and condemns to greatest share 
Of endless pain? Where there is then no good 30 
For which to strive, no strife can grow up there 



36 PARADISE LOST. 

From faction; for none sure will claim in Hell 

Precedence, none whose portion is so small 

Of present pain that with ambitious mind 

Will covet more. With this advantage then 

To union and firm faith and firm accord, 

More than can be in Heaven, we now return 

To claim our just inheritance of old, 

Surer to prosper than prosperity 

Could have assured us; and by What best way 40 

Whether of open war or covert guile. 

We now debate; who can advise may speak." 

He ceased, and next him Moloch, sceptred 
king, 
Stood up, the strongest and the fiercest Spirit 
That fought in Heaven, now fiercer by despaiv. 
His trust was with the Eternal to be deemed 
Equal in strength, and rather than be less 
Cared not to be at all. With that care lost 
Went all his fear; of God, or Hell, or worse 
He recked not, and these words thereafter spake*. 

* 'My sentence is for open war. Of wiles, 5 l 
More unexpert, t boast not; them let those 
Contrive who need, or when they need, not now. 
For, while they sit contriving, shall the rest, 
Millions that stand in arms, and longing wait 
Th^ signal to ascend, sit lingering here, 
Heaven's fugitives, and for their dwelling-placs: 
Accept this dark opprobrious den of shame, 



BOOK 11. 37 

The prison of his tyranny who reigns 
By our delay ? No, let us rather choose, 60 

Armed with Hell-flames and fury, all at once 
O'er Heaven's high towers to force resistless way, 
Turning our tortures into horrid arms 
Against the torturer; when to meet the noise 
Of his almighty engiile he shall hear 
Infernal thunder, and for lightning see 
Black fire and horror shot with equal rage 
Among his Angles, and his throne itself 
Mixed with Tartarean suphur and strange fire, 
His own invented torments. But perhaps 70 
The way seems difficult and steep to scale 
With upright wing against a higher foe — 
Let such bethink them, if the sleepy drench 
Of that forgetful lake benumb not still, 
That in our proper motion we ascend 
Up to our native seat ; descent and fall 
To us is adverse. Who but felt of late, 
When the fierce foe hung on our broken rear 
tnsulting, and pursued us through the Deep, 
With what compulsion and laborious flight 80 
We sunk thus low ? The ascent is easy then ; 
The event is feared. Should we again provoke 
Our stronger, some worse way his wrath may 

find 
To our destruction — if there be in Hell 
Fear to be worse destroyed. What can be worse 



38 PARADISE LOST. 

Than to dwell here, driven out from bliss, con- 
demned 
In this abhorred Deep to utter woe ? 
Where pain of unextinguishable fire 
Must exercise us, without hope of end, 
The vassals of his anger, when the scourge 90 
Inexorably, and the torturing hour 
Calls us to penance. More destroyed than thus 
We should be quite abolished and expire. 
What fear we then? what doubt we do incense 
His utmost ire? which, to the highth enraged. 
Will either quite consume us, and reduce 
To nothing this essential — happier far 
Than miserable to have eternal being ! — 
Or, if our substance be indeed divine. 
And cannot cease to be, we are at worst 100 

On this side nothing ; and by proof we feel 
Our power sufficient to disturb his Heaven, 
And with perpetual inroads to alarm, 
Though inaccessible, his fatal throne ; 
Which, if not victory, is yet revenge." 

He ended frowning, and his look denounced 
Desperate revenge, and battle dangerous 
To less than gods. On the other side up rose 
Belial, in act more graceful and humane. 
A fairer person lost not Heaven ; he seemed 1 10 
For dignity composed and high exploit. 



BOOK II. 39 

But all was false and hollow — though his 

tongue 
Dropt manna, and could make the worse appear 
The better reason, to perplex and dash 
Maturest counsels— for his thoughts were low; 
To vice industrious, but to noble deeds 
Timorous and slothful. Yet he pleased the ear, 
And with persuasive accent thus began: 

"I should be much for open w^ar, O Peers, 
As not behind in hate, if what was urged 1 20 
Main reason to persuade immediate war 
Did not dissude me most, and seem to cast 
Ominous conjecture on the whole success; 
When he, who most excels in fact of arms. 
In what he counsels and in what excels 
Mistrustful, grounds his courage on despair 
And utter dissolution, as the scope 
Of all his aim, after some dire revenge. 
First, what revenge? The towers of Heaven are 

filled 
With armed watch, that render all access 130 
Impregnable; oft on the bordering Deep 
Encamped their legions, or, with obscure wing. 
Scout far and wide into the realm of Night, 
Scorning surprise. Or could we break our way 
By force, and at our heels all Hell should rise, 
With blackest insurrection to confound 
Heaven's purest light, yet our great enemy 



40 PARADISE LOST. 

All incorruptible would on his throne 
Sit unpolluted, and the ethereal mould, 
Incapable of stain, would soon expel 14C 

Her mischief, and purge off the baser fire, 
Victorious. Thus repulsed, our final hope 
Is flat despair; we must exasperate 
The almighty victor to spend all his rage, 
And that must end us; that must be our cure, 
To be no more. Sad cure! for who would lose, 
Though full of pain, this intellectual being, 
Those tiioughts that wander through eternity? 
To perish rather, swallowed up and lost 
In the wide womb of uncreated night, 15c 

Devoid of sense and motion. And who knows, 
Let this be good, whether our angry foe 
Can give it, or will ever? How he can 
Is doubtful; that he never will, is sure. 
Will he, so wise, let loose at once his ire, 
— Belike through impotence or unaware — 
To give his enemies their wish, and end 
Them in his anger, whom his anger saves 
To punish endless? 'Wherefore cease we then?' 
Say the}^ who counsel war; 'we are decreed, i6c 
Reserved, and destined to eternal woe. 
Whatever doing, what can we suffer more? 
What can we suffer worse?' Is this then worst, 
Thus sitting, thus consulting, thus in arms? 
What! when we fled amain, pursued; and struck 



BOOK 11. 41 

With heaven's afflicting thunder, and besought 
The Deep to shelter us . . . This Hell then 

seemed 
A refuge from those wounds. Or when we lay 
Chained on the burning lake? . . . that sure 

was worse. 
What if the breath that kindled those grim 

fires, ^ 170 

Awaked, should blow them into sevenfold rage, 
And plunge us in the flames ? or from above 
Should intermitted Vengeance arm again 
His red right hand to plague us ? What if all 
Her stores were opened, and this firmamenf 
Of Hell should sprout her cataracts of fire, 
Impendent horrors, threatening hideous fall 
One day upon our heads! While we, perhaps 
Designing or exhorting glorious war, 
Caught in a fiery tempest shall be hurled, 180 
Each on his rock transfixed, the sport and prey 
Of racking whirlwinds, or forever sunk 
Under yon boiling ocean, wrapt in chains; 
There to converse with everlasting groans, 
Unrespited, unpitied, unreprieved, 
Ages of hopeless end. This would be worse. 
War therefore, open or concealed alike, 
My voice dissuades; for what can force or guile 
With him, or who deceive his mind, whose eye 



42 PARADISE LOST. 

Views all things at one view? He from Heaven's 
highth 190 

All these our motions vain sees and derides; 
Not more almighty to resist our might 
Than wise to frustrate all our plots and wiles, 
Shall we then live thus vile, the race of Heaven 
Thus trampled, thus expelled to suffer here 
Chains and these torments? Better these than 

worse, 
By m}^ advice; since fate inevitable 
Subdues us, and omnipotent decree, 
The victor's will. To suffer, as to do, 
Our*strength is equal, nor the law unjust 200 
That so ordains. This was at first resolved 
If we were wise, against so great a foe 
Contending and so doubtful what might fall. 
I laugh, wdien those who at the spear are bold 
And venturous, if that fail them, shrink and 

fear 
What yet they know must follow, to endure 
Kxile, or ignominy, or bonds, or pain, 
The sentence of their conqueror. This is now 
Our doom, which if we can sustain and bear, 
Our supreme foe in time may much remit 
His anger, and perhaps, thus far removed, 
Not mind us, not offending, satisfied 
With what is punished; whence these raging fires 
Will slacken, if his breath stir not their flames. 



BOOK 11. 43 

Our purer essence then will overcome 

Their noxious vapour, or inured not feel, 

Or, changed at length and to the place conformed 

In temper and in nature, will receive 

Familiar the fierce heat, and void of pain; 

This horror will grow mild, this darkness light: 220 

Besides what hope the never ending flight 

Of future days may bring, what chance, what 

change 
Worth waiting, since our present lot appears 
For happy though but ill, for ill not worst; 
If we procure not to ourselves more woe." 

Thus Belial, with words clothed in reason's 

garb. 
Counselled ignoble ease and peaceful sloth, 
Not peace; and after him thus Mammon spake: 

* 'Either to disenthrone the king of Heaven 
We war, if war be best, or to regain 230 

Our own right lost. Him to unthrone we then 
May hope, when everlasting Fate shall yield 
To fickle Chance, and Chaos judge the strife. 
Tne former, vain to hope, argues as vain 
The latter; for what place can be for us 
Within Heaven's bound, unless Heaven's Lord 

supreme 
We overpower? Suppose' he should relent^ 
And publish grace to all, on promise made 
Of new subjection; with what e3^es could we 



44 PARADISE LOST. 

Stand in his presence humble, and receive 240 

Strict laws imposed, to celebrate his throne 

With warbled hymns, and to his Godhead sing 

Forced Halleluiahs; while he lordly sits 

Our envied sovran, and his altar breathes 

Ambrosial odors and ambrosial flowers, 

Our servile offerings? This must be our task 

In Heaven, this our delight. How wearisome 

Eternit}^ so spent, in worship paid 

To wdiom w^e hate ! Let us not then pursue 

By force impossible, by leave obtained 250 

Unacceptable, though in Heaven, our state 

Of splendid vassalage; but rather seek 

Our own good from ourselves, and from our own 

Live to ourselves, though in this vast recess, 

Free and to none accountable, preferring 

Hard Liberty before the easy yoke 

Of servile pomp. Our greatness will appear 

Then most conspicuous, when great things of 

small. 
Useful of hurtful, prosperous of adverse 
We can create, and in w^hat place soe'er -260 

Thrive under evil, and work ease out of pain. 
Through labor and endurance. This deep world 
Of darkness do we dread ? How oft amidst 
Thick clouds and dark doth Heaven's all-ruling 

Sire 
Choose to reside, his glory unobscured, 



BOOK II. 45 

And with the majesty of darkness round 
Covers his throne; from whence deep thunders 

roar 
Mustering their rage, and Heaven resembles Hell ! 
As he our darkness, cannot we his light 
Imitate when we please ? This desert so 270 
Wants not her hidden lustre, gems and gold, 
Nor want we skill or art, from whence to raise 
Magnificence; and what can Heaven shew more 
Our torments also may in length of time 
Become our elements, these piercing fires 
As soft as now severe, our temper changed 
Into their temper, which must needs remove 
The sensible of pain. All things invite 
To peaceful counsels and the settled state 
Of order, how in safety best we may 280 

Compose our present evils, with regard 
Of what we are and where, dismissing quite 
All thoughts of war. Ye have what I advise." 
He scarce had finished, when such murmur 

filled 
The assembly, as when hollow rocks retain 
The sound of blustering winds, which all night 

long 
Had roused the sea, now with hoarse cadence 

lull 
Seafaring men o'erwatched, wh^se bark by 

chance, 



4b PARADISE LOST. 

Or pinnace, anchors in a craggy bay 
After the tempest: such applause was heard 290 
As Mammon ended, and his sentence pleased, 
Advising peace, for such another field 
They dreaded worse than Hell; so much the fear 
Of thunder and the sword of Michael 
Wrought still within them; and no less desire 
To found this nether empire, which might rise. 
By policy and long process of time, 
In emulation opposite to Heaven. 
Which when Beelzebub perceived, than whom, 
Satan except, none higher sat, with grave 300 
Aspect he rose, and in his rising seemed 
A pillar of state; deep on his front engraven 
Deliberation sat, and public care; 
And princely counsel in his face yet shone. 
Majestic though in ruin. Sage he stood, 
With Atlantean shoulders, fit to bear 
The w'eight of mightiest monarchies; his look 
Drew audience and attention still as night 
Or summer's noontide air, while thus he spake: 
"Thrones and imperial Powers, Offspring of 
Heaven, 
Ethereal Virtues! or these titles now 311 

Must we renounce, and changing style be called 
Princes of Hell? for so the popular vote 
Inclines, hereto continue, and build up here 
A growing empire; doubtless! while we dream, 



BOOK II. 47 

And know not that the King of Heaven hath 

doomed 
This place our dungeon, not our safe retreat 
Bej^ond his potent arm, to live exempt 
From Heaven's high jurisdiction, in new league 
Banded against his throne, but to remain 320 
In strictest bondage, though thus far removed 
Under the inevitable curb, reserved 
His captive multitude; for he, be sure. 
In highth or depth, still first and last will reigtj 
Sole king, and of his kingdom lose no part 
By our revolt, but over Hell extend 
His empire, and with iron sceptre rule 
Us here, as with his golden those in ileaven. 
What sit we then projecting peace and war? 
War hath determined us, and foiled with 

loss 330 

Irreparable; terms of peace yet none 
Vouchsafed or sought; for what peace will be 

given 
To us enslaved, but custody severe, 
And stripes, and arbitrary punishment 
Inflicted? and what peace can we return, 
But to our power hostility and hate. 
Untamed reluctance, and revenge, though slow 
Yet ever plotting how the conqueror least 
May reap his conquest, and may least rejoice 
In doing what we most in suffering feel ? 340 



48 PARADISE LOST, 

Nor will occasion want, nor shall we need 

With dangerous expedition to invade 

Heaven, whose high walls fear no assault oj 

seige 
Or ambush from the Deep. What if we find 
Some easier enterprise! There is a place — 
If ancient and prophetic fame in Heaven 
Krr not — another world, the happ}^ seat 
Of some new race called Man, about this time 
To be created like to us, though less 
In power and excellence, but favoured more 350 
Of him who rules above; so was his will 
Pronounced among the Gods, and by an oath, 
That shook Heaven's whole circumference, con- 
firmed. 
Thither let us bend all our thoughts, to learn 
What creatures there inhabit, of what mould 
Or substance, how endued, and what their 

power, 
And where their weakness, how attempted best, 
By force or subtlety. Though Heaven be shut. 
And Heaven's high arbitrator sit secure 
In his own strength, this place may lie 
exposed, 360 

The utmost border of his kingdom, left 
To their defence who hold it. Here perhaps 
Some advantageous actrmay be achieved 
By sudden onset; either with Hell-fire 



BGOK II, 49 

To waste his whole creation, or possess 
All as our own, and drive, as we were driven, 
The puny habitants; or, if not drive, 
Seduce them to our party, that their God 
May prove their foe, and with repenting hand 
Abolish his own works. This would surpass 370 
Common revenge, and interrupt his joy 
In our confusion, and our joy up-raise 
In his disturbance; when his darling sons, 
Hurled headlong to partake with us, shall curse 
Their frail original and faded bliss, 
Faded so soon . Advise, if this be worth 
Attempting, or to sit in darkness here 
Hatching vain empires." — Thus Beelzebub 
Pleaded his devilish counsel, first devised 
By Satan, and in part proposed; for whence, 380 
But from the author of all ill, could spring 
So deep a malice, to confound the race 
Of mankind in one root, and Earth with Hell 
To mingle and involve, done all to spite 
The great Creator ? but their spite still serves 
His glory to augment. The bold design 
Pleased highly those infernal States, and joy 
Sparkled in all their eyes. With full assent 
They vote; whereat his speech he thus renews: 
"Well have ye judged, well ended long 
debate, 390 

Synod of Gods! and, like to what ye are, 



50 PARADISE LOST. 

Great things resolved, which from the lowest 

Deep 
Will once more lift us up, in spite of Fate. 
Nearer our ancient seat; perhaps in view 
Of those bright confines, whence, with neigh- 
boring arms 
And opportune excursion, we may chance 
Re-enter Heaven; or else in some mild zone 
Dwell, not unvisited of Heaven's fair light, 
Secure, and at the brightening orient beam 
Purge off this gloom: the soft delicious air, 400 
To heal the scar of these corrosive fires, 
Shall breathe her balm. But first, whom shall we 

send 
In search of this new world ? whom shall we find 
Sufiicient ? who shall tempt, with wandering feet, 
The dark unbottomed infinite abyss. 
And through the palpable obscure find out 
His uncouth way, or spread his aery flight, 
Upborne with indefatigable wings 
Over the vast abrupt, ere he arrive 
The happy isle ? What strength, what aft, can 

then 
Suffice, or what evasion bear him safe 410 

Through the strict senteries and stations thick 
Of Angels watching round? Here he had need 
All circumspection, and we now no less 
Choice in our suffrage; for on whom we send 



BOOK IL 51 

The weight ot all, and our last hope, relies." 

This said, he sat; and expectation held 
His look suspense, awaiting who appeared 
To second, or oppose, or undertake 
The perilous attempt; but all sat mute, 420 

Pondering the danger with deep thoughts, and 

each 
In other's countenance read his own dismay, 
Astonished. None, among the choice and prime 
Of those Heaven-warring champions, could be 

found 
So hardy as to proffer or accept 
Alone the dreadful voyage; till at last 
Satan, whom now transcendent glorj^ raised 
Above his fellows, with monarchal pride. 
Conscious of highest worth, unmoved thus spake: 
"0 Progeny of Heaven, ernpyreal Thrones ! 430 
With reason hath deep silence and demur 
Seized us, though undismayed. Long is the 

way 
And hard, that out of Hell leads up to light; 
Our prison strong; this huge convex of fire, 
Outrageous to devour, immures us round 
Ninefold, and gates of burning adamant 
Barred over us prohibit all egress. 
These passed, if any pass, the void profound 
Of unessential Night receives him next. 
Wide gaping, and with utter loss of being 440 



52 PARADISE LOST. 

Threatens him, plunged in that abortive gull 
If chence he 'scape, into whatever v/orld 
Or unknown region, what remains him less 
Than unknown dangers, and as hard escape ? 
But I should ill become this throne, O Peers, 
And this imperial sovranty, adorned 
With splendor, armed with power, if aught pro- 
posed 
And judged of public moment, in the shape 
Of difficulty or danger, could deter 
Me from attempting. Wherefore do I assume 450 
These royalties, and not refuse to reign, 
Refusing to accept as great a vShare 
Of hazard as of honour, due alike 
To him who reigns, and so much to him due 
Of hazard more, as he above the rest 
High honored sits? Go therefore, mighty 

Powers, 
Terror of Heaven, though fallen ! intend at home, 
While here shall be our home, what best may 

ease 
The present misery and render Hell 
More tolerable; if there be cure or charm 460 

To respite, or deceive, or slack the pain 
Of this ill mansion. Intermit no watch 
Against a wakeful foe, while I abroad 
Through all the coast of dark destruction seek 
Deliverance for us all. This enterprise 



BOOKil. S- 

None shall partake with me. "—Thus saying rose 
The monarch and prevented all reply, 
Prudent, lest from his resolution raised, 
Others among the chief might offer now — 
Certain to be refused — what erst they feared; 470 
And, so refused, might in opinion stand 
His rivals, winning cheap the high repute 
Which he through hazard huge must earn. But 

they 
Dreaded not more the adventure than his voice 
Forbidding; and at once with him they rose. 
Th«ir rising all at once was as the sound 
Of thunder heard remote. Toward him they 

bend 
With awful reverence prone; and as a God 
Extol him equal to the Highest in Heaven. 
Nor failed they to express how much they 
praised 480 

That for the general safety he despised 
His own; for neither do the Spirits damned 
Ivose all their virtue, lest men should boast 
Their specious deeds on earth, which glory excites 
Or close ambition varnished o'er with zeal. 

Thus they their doubtful consultations dark 
Ended, rejoicing in their matchless chief. 
As when from mountain-tops the dusky clouds 
Ascending, while the North-wind sleeps, o' re- 
spread "^ 



54 PARADISE LOST. 

Heaven's cheerful face, the lowering element 490 
Scowls o'er the darkened landscape snow, or 

shower, 
If chance the radiant sun with farewell sweet 
Extend his evening beam, the fields revive. 
The birds their notes renew, and bleating herds 
Attest their joy, that hill and valley rings. 
Oh, shame to men! Devil with devil damned 
Firm concord holds, men only disagree 
Of creatures rational, though under hope 
Of heavenly grace; and, God proclaiming peace 
Yet live in hatred, enmity, and strife 500 

Among themselves, and levy cruel wars, 
Wasting the earth, each other to destroy: 
As if — which might induce us to accord — 
Man had not hellish foes enow besides. 
That day and night for his destruction wait. 

The Stygian council thus dissolved; and forth 
In order came the grand infernal peers; 
Midst came their mighty paramount, and seemed 
Alone the antagonist of Heaven, nor less 
Than Hell's dread emperor, with pomp su- 
preme 510 
And godlike imitated state. Him round 
A globe of fiery Seraphim enclosed, 
With bright emblazonry and horrent arms. 
Then of their session ended they bid cry, 
With trumpets' regal sound, the great result. 



BOOK II. 55 

Toward the four winds four speedy Cherubim 
Put to their mouths the sounding alchemy 
By haralds' voice explained; the hollow Abyss 
Heard far atid wide, and all the host of Hell 
With deafening shout returned them loud ac- 
claim, 520 
Thence more at ease their minds, and somewhat 
raised 
Bj^ false presumptuous hope, the ranged Powers 
Disband, and, wandering, each his several way 
Pursues, as inclination or sad choice 
Leads him perplexed, where he may likeliest find 
Truce to his restless thoughts, and entertain 
The irksome hours till his great chief return. 
Part, on the plain or in the air sublime, 
Upon the wing or in swift race contend. 
As at the Olympian games or Pythian 
• fields; 530 
Part curb their fiery steeds, or shun the goal 
With rapid wheels, or fronted brigads form: 
As when, to warn proud cities, war appears 
Waged in the troubled' sky, and armies rush 
To battle in the clouds; before each van 
Prick forth the aery knights, and couch theii 

spears 
Till thickest legions close; with feats of arms 
From either end of heaven the welkin burns. 
Others, with vast Typhoean rage, more fell 



56 PARADISE LOST. 

Rend up both rocks and hills, and ride the 
air 54c 

In whirlwind; Hell scarce holds the wild uproar. 
As when Alcides, from CEchalia crowned 
With conquest, felt the envenomed robe, and 

tore 
Through pain up by the roots Thessalian pin^s, 
And Lichas from the top of CBta threw 
Into the Kuboic sea. Others more mild, v 

Retreated in a silent valley, sing 
With notes angelical to many a harp 
Their own heroic deeds, and hapless fall 
By doom of battle; and complain that Fate 550 
Free Virtue should enthral to Force or Chance. 
Their song was partial, but the harmony 
— What could it less when Spirits immortal 

sing?— 
Suspended Hell, and took with ravishment 
The thronging audience. In discourse more 

sweet. 
— For eloquence the soul, song charms the 

sense — 
Others apart sat on a hill retired. 
In thoughts more elevate, and reasoned high 
Of providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate; 
Fixed faith, free will, foreknowledge abso- 
lute, 560 
And found no end, in wandering mazes lost. 



BOOK IL 57 

Of good and evil much the}^ argued then. 
Of happiness and final misery, 
Passion and apathy, and glory and shame — 
Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy! 
Yet, with a pleasing sorcery, could charm 
Pain for awhile or anguish, and excite 
Fallacious hope, or arm the obdured breast 
With stubborn pat,ience as with triple steel. 
Another part, in squadrons and gross bands, 570 
On bold adventure to discover wide 
That dismal world, if any clime perhaps 
Might 3deld them easier habitation, bend 
Four ways their flying march, along the banks 
Of four infernal rivers, that disgorge 
Into the burning lake their baleful streams; , 
Abhorred Styx, the flood of deadly hate; 
Sad Acheron of sorrow, black and deep; 
Cocytus, named of lamentation loud 
Heard on the rueful stream; fierce Phlege- 
ton 580 

Whose waves of torrent fire inflame with rage. 
Far ofl"from these a slow and silent stream, 
Lethe, the river of oblivion, rolls 
Her watery labyrinth, whereof who drinks 
Forthwith his former state and being forgets, 
Forgets both joy and grief, pleasure and pain, 
Beyond this flood a frozen continent 
lyies dark and wild, beat with perpetual storms 



58 PARADISE LOSl . 

Of whirlwind and dire hail, which on firm land 
Thaws not, but gathers heap, and ruin 

seems 590 

Of ancient pile, all else deep snow and ice; 
A gulf profound, as that^Serbonian bog 
Betwixt Damiata and mount Casius old, 
Where armies whole have sunk: the parching air 
Burns frore, and cold performs the effect of fire. 
Thither, by harpy-footed Furies haled, 
At certain revolutions, all the damned 
Are brought; and feel by turns the bitter change 
Of fierce extremes, extremes by change more 

fierce, 
From beds of raging fire, to starve in ice 600 

Their soft ethereal warmth, and there to pine, 
Immovable, infixed, and frozen round, 
Periods of time; thence hurried back to fire. 
They ferry over this Lethear sound. 
Both to and fro, their sorrow to augment, 
And wish and struggle, as they pass, to reach 
The tempting stream, with one small drop to 

lose 
In sweet forgetfulness all pain and woe, 
All in one moment, and so near the brink. 
But Fate withstands, and, to oppose the attempt, 
Medusa with Gorgonian terror guards 611 

The ford, and of itself the water flies 
All taste of living wight, as once it fled 



BOOK II. 59 

The lips of Tantalus. Thus roving on, 

In confused march forlorn, the adventurous 

bands, 
With shuddering horror pale and eyes aghast, 
Viewed first their lamentable lot, and found 
No rest. Through many a dark and dreary vale 
They passed, and many a region dolorous. 
O'er many a frozen, man}^ a fiery Alp, 620 

Rocks, caves, lakes, fens, bogs, dens, and shades 

of death; 
A universe of death, which God by curse 
Created evil, for evil only good, 
Where all life dies, death lives, and Nature 

breeds, 
Perverse, all monstrous, all prodigious things, 
Abominable, inutterable, and worse 
Than fables yet have feigned or fear conceived, 
Gorgons, and Hydras, and Chimaeras dire. 

Meanwhile the Adversary of God and Man, 
Satan, with thoughts inflamed of highest 

design, 630 

Puts on swift wings,' and toward the gates of 

Hell 
Explores his solitary flight. Sometimes 
He scours the right-hand coast, sometimes the 

left; 
Now shaves with level wing the deep; then soars 
TTp to the fiery concave, towering high. 



6o PARADISE LOST. 

As when far off at sea a fleet descried 

Hangs in the clouds, by equinoctial winds 

Close sailing from Bengala, or the isles 

Of Ternate and Tidore, whence merchants bring 

Their spicy drugs; they on the trading flood, 640 

Through the wide Ethiopian to the Cape, 

Ply stemming nightly toward the pole: so seemed 

Far off the flying Fiend. At last appear 

Hell-bounds, high reaching to the horrid roof, 

And thrice threefold, the gates; threefolds were 

brass, 
Three iron, three of adamantine rock, 
Impenetrable, impaled with circling fire. 
Yet unconsumed. Before the gates there sat 
On either side a formidable shape; 
The one seemed woman to the waist, and fair, ^"^50 
But ended foul in many a scaly fold, 
Voluminous and vast, a serpent armed 
With mortal sting. About her middle round 
A cry of hell hounds never ceasing barked 
With wide Cerberean mouths full loud, and rung 
A hideous peal; 3^et, w^hen they list, would creep, 
If aught disturbed their noise, into her womb, 
And kennel there, yet there still barked and 

howled 
Within unseen. Far less abhorred than these 
Vexed Scylla, bathing in the sea that parts 660 
Calabria from the hoarse Trinacrian shore; > 



BOOK IL 61 

Nor uglier follow the night-hag, when, called 
In secret, riding through the air she comes, 
lyUred with the smell of infant blood, to dance 
With lyapland witches, while the labouring moon 
Eclipses at their charms. The other shape — 
If shape it might be called that shape had none 
Distinguishable in member, joint or limb. 
Or substance might be called that shadow seemed, 
For each seemed either — black it stood as 

Night, 670 

Fierce as ten Furies, terrible as Hell, 
And shook a dreadful dart; what seemed his head 
The likeness of a kingly crown had on. 
Satan was now at hand, and from his seat 
The monster moving onward came as fast 
With horrid strides; Hell trembled as he strode. 
The undaunted Fiend what this might be 

admired. 
Admired, not feared — God and his Son except, 
Created thing nought valued he nor shunned — 
And with disdainful look thus first began: 68c 
"Whence and what art thou, execrable shape.' 
That darest, though grim and terrible, advance 
Thy miscreated front athwart my way 
To yonder gate? Through them I mean to 

pass — 
That be assured — without leave asked of thee/ 
Retire, or taste thy folly, and learn by proof, 



62 PARADISE LOST. 

Hell-born! not to contend with Spirits of 
Heaven." 
To whom the Goblin full of wrath replied: 
''Art thou that traitor Angel ? art thou he, 
Who first broke peace in Heaven, and faith till 

then 
Unbroken, and, in proud rebellious arms, 691 
Drew after him the third part of Heaven's sons, 
Conjured against the Highest? for which both 

thou 
And they, outcast from God, are here condemned 
To waste eternal days in woe and pain. 
And reckonest thou thyself with Spirits of 

Heaven, 
Hell -doomed! and breathest defiance here and 

scorn. 
Where I reign king, and, to enrage thee more, 
Thy king and lord ? Back to thy punishment 
False fugitive! and, to thy speed add wings, 70a 
I^est with a whip of scorpions I pursue 
Thy lingering, or with one stroke of this dart 
Strange horror seize thee, and pangs unfelt be- 
fore." 
So spake the grisly Terror, and in shape 
So speaking and so threatening, grew tenfold 
More dreadful and deform. On the other side, 
Incensed with indignation, Satan stood 
llaterrified, and like a comet burned, 



BOOK II. 63 

That fires the length of Ophiuchus huge, 
In the artic sky, und from his horiid hair 710 
Shakes pestilence and war. Each at the head 
Levelled his deadly aim; their fatal hands 
No second stroke intend; and such a frown 
Each cast at the other, as when the two black 

clouds, 
With heaven's artillery fraught, come rattling on 
Over the Caspian, then stand front to front, 
Hovering a space, till winds the signal blow 
To join their dark encounter in mid air: 
So frowned the mighty combatants, that Hell 
Grew darker at their frown; so matched they 

stood: 
For never but once more was either like 721 

To meet so great a foe. And now great deeds 
Had been achieved, whereof all Hell had rung, 
Had not the snaky Sorceress, that sat 
Fast by Hell-gate and kept the fatal key, 
Risen, and with hideous outcry rushed between. 
"O father, what intends thy hand, she cried, 
Against thy only son ? What fury, O son, 
Possesses thee to bend that mortal dart 
Against thy father's head? and knowest for 

whom; 
For him who sits above, and laughs the 

while 731 

At thee ordained his drudge, to execute 



64 PARADISE LOST. 

Whate'er his wrath, which he calls justice, 

bids; — 
His wrath, which one day will destroy 3^eboth!'* 

He spake, and at her words the hellish Pest 
Forbore, then these to her Satan returned: 

"So strange thy outcry, and thy words so 

strange 
Thou interposest, that my sudden hand, 
Prevented, spares to tell thee yet by deeds 
What it intends, till first I know of thee 740 

What thing thou art, thus double-formed, and 

why, 
In this infernal vale first met, thou callest 
Me father, and that phantasm callest my son. 
I know thee not, nor ever saw till now 
Sight more detestable than him and thee." 

To whom thus the portress of Hell-gate re* 

plied: 
* 'Hast thou forgotten me then ? and do I seem 
Now in thine eye so foul ? once deemed so fair 
In Heaven; when at the assembly, and in sight 
Of all the Seraphim, with thee combined 750 
In bold conspiracy against Heaven's King, 
All on a sudden miserable pain 
Surprised thee, dim thine eyes, and dizzy swum 
In darkness, while thy head flames thick and fast 
Threw forth; till^ on the left side opening wide, 
lyikest to thee in shape and countenance bright, 



BOOK II. 65 

Then shining heavenly fair, a goddess armed, 
Out of thy head I sprung. Amazement seized 
All the host of Heaven; back they recoiled afraid 
At first, and called me Sin, and for a sign 760 
Portentous held me; but familiar grown 
I pleased, and with attractive graces won 
The most averse, thee chiefly, who full oft 
Thyself in me thy perfect image viewing 
Becamest enamoured, and such joy thou tookest 
With me in secret, that my womb conceived 
A growing burden. Meanwhile war arose, 
And fields were fought in Heaven, wherein 

remained 
— For what could else ? — to our almighty Foe 
Clear victory, to our part loss and rout 770 

Through all the Empyrean. Down they fell. 
Driven headlong from the pitch of Heaven, down 
Into this Deep, and in the general fall 
I also; at which time this powerful key 
Into my hand was given, with charge to keep 
These gates for ever shut, which none can pass 
Without my opening. Pensive here I sat, 
Alone; but long I sat not, till my womb. 
Pregnant by thee and now excessive grown, ' 
Prodigious motion felt and rueful throes. 780 
At last this odious offspring whom thou seest, 
Thine own begotten, breaking violent avvay» 



66 PARADISE LOST. 

Tore through my entrails, that, with fear and 

pain 
Distortedrall my nether shape thus grew 
Transformed: but he, my inbred enemy, 
Forth issued, brandishing his fatal dart, 
Made to destroy. I fled, and cried out Death! 
Hell trembled at the hideous name, and sighed/ 
From all her caves, and back resounded Death! 
I fled, but he pursued — though more, it 

seems, 790 

Inflamed with lust than rage — and, swifter far, 
Me overtook, his mother, all dismayed, 
And, in embraces forcible and foul 
Ingendering with me, of that rape begot 
These yelling monsters, that with ceaseless cry 
Surround me, as thou sawest, hourly conceived 
And hourly born, with sorrow infinite 
To me; for, when they list, into the, womb 
That bred them they return, and howl and gnaw 
My bowels, their repast; then, bursting forth 800 
Afresh, with conscious terrors vex me round, 
That rest or intermission none I find. 
Before mine eyes in opposition sits 
Grim Death, my son and foe, who sets them oUj 
And me his parent would full soon devour, 
P'or want of other prey, but that he knows 
His end with mine involved, and knows that I 
Should prove a bitter morsel and his bane, 



BOOK 11. 67 

\S Aenever that shall be; so Fate pronounced. 
But thou, O father, I forewarn thee, shun 810 
His deadly arrow; neither vainly hope 
To be invulrerable in those bright arms, 
Though tempered heavenly; for that mortal dint. 
Save he who reigns above, none can resist." 
She finished, and the subtle Fiend his lore 
Soon learned, now milder, and thus answered 

smooth: 
"Dear daughter — since thou claimest me for thy 

sire, 
A.nd my fair son here shewest me, the dear 

pledge 
Of Dalliance had wnth thee in Heaven, and joys 
Then sweet, now sad to mention, through dire 

change 
Befallen us, unforseen, unthought of — know^ 821 
I come no enemy, but to set free 
From out this dark and dismal house of pain, 
Both him and thee, and all the heavenly host 
Of Spirits, that, in our just pretences armed, 
Fell with us from on high. From them I go 
This uncouth errand, sole, and one for all 
Myself expose, with lonely steps to tread 
The unfounded Deep, and, through the Void 

immense 
To search with wandering quest a place fore- 
told 8,^0 



68 PARADISE LOST. 

Should be, and, b}^ concurring signs, ere now 
Created vast and round, a place of bliss 
In the purlieus of Heaven, and therein placed 
A race of upstart creatures, to supply 
Perhaps our vacant room, though more removed, 
Lest Heaven, surcharged with potent multitude, 
Might hap to move new broils. Be this or aught 
Than this more secret now designed, I haste 
To know; and, this once known, shall soon re- 
turn 
And bring ye to the place where thou and Death 
Shall dwell at ease, and up and down un- 
seen 841 
Wing silently the buxom air, embalmed 
With odours. There 3^e shall be fed and filled 
Immeasurably; all things shall be your prey." 
He ceased, for both seemed highly pleased, and 
Death 
Grinned horrible a ghastly smile, to hear 
His famine should be filled, and blessed his maw 
Destined to that good hour. No less rejoiced 
His mother bad, and thus bespake her sire: 

"The key of this infernal pit, by due 850 

And by command of Heaven's all-powerful King, 
I keep, b^^ him forbidden to unlock 
These adamantine gates; against all force 
Death read}^ stands to interpose his dart, 
Fearless to be o'ermatched by living might. 



I^OOK IL 6a 

But what owe I to his commands above, 

Who hates me, and hath hither thrust me down 

Into this gloom of Tartarus profound, 

To sit in hateful office here confined, 

Inhabitant of Heaven and heavenly born, 860 

Here in perpetual agony and pain, 

With terrors and with clamours compassed round 

Of mine own brood, that on my bowels feed? 

Thou art my father, thou my author, thou 

My being gavest me; whom should I obey 

But thee ? whom follow ? Thou wilt bring me 

soon 
To that new world of light and bliss, among 
The Gods who live at ease, where I shall reign 
At thy right hand voluptuous, as beseems 
Thy daughter and thy darling, without 

end." 870 

Thus saying, from her side the fatal key. 
Sad instrument of all our woe, she took; 
And, toward the gate rolling her bestial train, 
Forthwith the huge portcullis high up-drew, 
Which but herself not all the Stygian Powers 
Could once have moved; then in the keyhole 

turns 
The intricate wards, and every bolt and bar 
Of massy iron or solid rock with ease 
Unfastens. On a sudden open flj^, 
With impetuous recoil and jarring sound, 880 



70 PARADISE LOST. 

The infernal doors, and on their hinges grate 
Harsh thunder, that the lowest bottom shook 
Of Erebus. She opened, but to shut 
Excelled her power; the gates wide open stood, 
That with extended wings a bannered host, 
Under spread ensigns marching, might pass 

through 
With horse and chariots ranked in loose array; 
So wide they stood, and like a furnace mouth 
Cast forth redounding smoke and ruddy flame. 

Before their eyes in sudden view appear 890 
The secrets of the hoary Deep, a dark, 
Illimitable ocean, without bound, 
Without dimension, where length, breadth, and 

highth, 
And time and place, are lost; where eldest Night 
And Chaos, ancestors of Nature, hold 
Eternal anarchy, amidst the noise 
Of endless wars, and by confusion stand. 
For Hot, Cold, Moist, and Dry, four champions 

fierce, 
Strive here for mastery, and to battle bring 
Their embryon atoms: they around the flag 900 
Of each his faction, in their several clans, 
lyight-armed or heavy, sharp, smooth, swift or 

slow, 
Swarm populous, unnumbered as the sands 
Of Barca or Cyrene's torrid soil. 



BOOK 11. 11 

I^evied to side with warring winds, and poise 
Their lighter wings. To whom these mos^ 

adhere 
He rules a moment; Chaos umpire sits, 
And by decision more embroils the fray, 
By which he reigns; next him high arbiter 
Chance govern all. Into this wild Abyss 910 
— The womb of Nature and perhaps her grave, 
Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire, ^ 
But all these in their pregnant causes mixed 
Confusedly, and which thus must ever fight, 
Unless the almighty Maker them ordain 
His dark materials to create more worlds—^ 
Into this wild Abyss the wary Fiend 
Stood on the brink of Hell and looked awhile, 
Pondering his voyage; for no narrow frith 
He had to cross. Nor was his ear less pealed 920 
With noises loud and ruinous — to compare 
Great things with small — than when Bellona 

storms 
With all her battering engines, bent to rase 
Some capital city; or less than if this frame 
Of heaven were falling, and these elements 
In mutiny had from her axle torn 
The steadfast earth. At last his sail-broad vans 
He spreads for flight, and in the surging smoke 
Up-lifted spurns the ground; thence many a 

league, 



7-2 PARADISE LOST. 

As in a cloudy chair, ascending rides 930 

Audacious; but, the seat soon failing, meets 
A vast vacuity. All unawares, 
Fluttering his pennons vain, plumb-down he 

drops 
Ten thousand fathom deep, and to this hour 
Down had been falling, had not by ill chance 
The strong rebuff of some tumultuous cloud, 
Instinct with fire and nitre, hurried him 
As many miles aloft. That fury stayed — 
Quenched in a boggy Syrtis, neither sea 
Nor good dry land — nigh foundered on he 

fares, 940 

Treading the crude consistence, half on foot. 
Half flying; behoves him now both oar and saiL 
As when a gryphon, through the wilderness 
With winged course, o'r hill or mooi^ dale, 
Pursues the Arimaspian, who by stealth 
Had from his wakeful custody purloined 
The guarded gold: so eagerly the Fiend 
O'er bog or steep, through strait, rough, dense, 

or rare. 
With head, hands, wings, or feet, pursues his 

way, 
And swims, or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or flies. 
At length a universal Hubbub wild 951 

Of stunning sounds and voices all confused. 
Borne through the hollow dark, assaults his ear 



BOOK IL 73 

With loudest vehemence. Thither he plies, 
Undaunted, to meet there whatever Power 
Or Spirit of the nethermost Abyss 
Might in that noise reside, of whom to ask 
Which way the nearest coast of darkness lies 
Bordering on light; when straight behold the 

throne 
Of Chaos, and his dark pavilion spread 960 

Wide on the wasteful Deep! With him enthroned 
Set Sable- vested Night, eldest of things, 
The consort of his reign; and by them stood 
Orcus and Ades, and the dreaded name 
Of Demogorgon; Rumor next and Chance, 
And Tumult and Confusion all embroiled. 
And Discord with a thousand various mouths. 
To whom Satan turning boldly, thus: *'Ye 

Powers 
And Spirits of this nethermost Abyss, 
Chaos and ancient Night! I come no spy, 970 
With purpose to explore or to disturb 
The secrets of your realm; but, by constraint, 
Wandering this darksome desert, as my way 
Lies through your spacious empire up to light;. 
Alone and without guide, half lost, I seek 
What readiest path leads where your gloomy 

bounds 
Confine with Heaven; or if some other place, 
From your dominion won, the ethereal King 



74 PARADISE LOST, 

Possesses lately, thither to arrive 

I travel this profound. Direct my course. 980 

Directed no mean recompense it brings 

To your behoof: if I that region lost, 

All usurpation thence expelled, reduce 

To her original darkness and your sway — 

Which is my present journey — and once more 

Krect the standard there of ancient Night, 

Yours be the advantage all, mine the revenge! '* 

Thus Satan, and him thus the Anarch old, 
With faltering speech and visage incomposed, 
Answered: ''I know thee, stranger, who thou 

art, 
That mighty leading Angel, who of late 991 

Made head against Heaven's King, though over- 
thrown. 
I saw and heard; for such a numerous host 
Fled not in silence through the frighted Deep, 
With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout, 
Confusion worse confounded; and Heaven-gates 
Poured out b}^ millions her victorious bands 
Pursuing. I upon my frontiers here 
Keep residence; if all I can will serve, 
That little which is left so to defend, 1000 

Kncroached on still through your intestine broils, 
Weakening the sceptre of old Night. First Hell, 
Your dungeon, stretching far and wide beneath; 
Now lately heaven and earth, another world, 



BOOK II. 7S 

Hung o'er my realm, linked in a golden chain 
To that side Heaven from whence your legions 

fell. 
If that way be 5'our walk, you have not far; 
So much the nearer danger. Go and speed! 
Havoc, and spoil, and ruin are my gain." 

He ceased, and Satan staj^ed not to reply, loio 
But, glad that now his sea should find a shore. 
With fresh alacrity and force renewed, 
Springs upward, like a pyramid of fire. 
Into the wdld expanse, and through the shock 
Of fighting elements, on all sides round 
Environed, wins his way; harder beset 
And more endangered, than when Argo passed 
Through Bosporus, betwixt the justling Rocks; 
Or when Ulysses on the larboard shunned 
Charybdis, and by the other Whirlpool 
steered. 1020 

So he with difiiculty and labour hard 
Moved on: with difficulty and labour he; 
But, he once past, soon after when Man fell — 
Strange alteration! — Sin and Death amain 
Following his track, such was the will of Heaven, 
Paved after him a broad and beaten way 
Over the dark Abyss, whose boiling gulf 
Tamely endured a bridge of wondrous length. 
From Hell continued, reaching the utmost orb 



76 PARADISE LOST. 

Of this frail World; by which the Spirits 

perverse, 
With easy intercourse, pass to and fro 1031 

To tempt or punish mortals, except whom 
God and good Angels guard by special grace. 

But now at last the sacred influence 
Of light appears, and from the walls of Heaven 
Shoots far into the bosom of dim Night 
A glimmering dawn. Here Nature first begins 
Her farthest verge, and Chaos to retire, 
As from, her outmost works, a broken foe. 
With tumult less and with less hostile din; 1040 
That Satan, with less toil, and now with ease, 
Wafts on the calmer wave by dubious light; 
And, like a weather-beaten vessel, holds 
Gladly the port, though shrouds and tackle torn. 
Or in the emptier waste, resembling air, 
Weighs his spread wings, at leisure to behold 
Far off the empyreal Heaven, extended wide 
In circuit, undetermined square or round, 
With opal towers and battlements adorned 
Of living sapphire, once his native seat; 
And fast by, hanging in a golden chain, 
This pendent World, in bigness as a star 
Of smallest magnitude close by the moon. 
Thither, full fraught with mischievous revenge, 
Accursed, and in a cursed hour, he hies. 



PARADISE LOST. 

i 

BOOK III. 

THE ARGUxMKNT. 

God, sitting- on his throne, sees Satan flying toward 
this World, then newly created: shews him to the Son, 
who sat at his right hand; foretells the success of 
Satan in perverting- mankind; clears his ov/n justice 
and wisdom from all imputation, having created man 
free and able enough to have withstood his tempter; 
yet declares his purpose of grace toAvard him, in 
regard he fell not of his own malice, as did Satan, but 
by him seduced. The Son of God renders praises to 
his Father for the manifestation of his gracious 
purpose toward man; but God again declares, that 
grace cannot be extended toward man without the 
satisfaction of Divine justice; man hath offended the 
majesty of God by aspiring to Godhead, and therefore 
with all his progeny devoted to death must die, unless 
some one can be found sufficient to answer for his 
offence, and undergo his punishment. The Son of 
God freely offers himself a ransom for man: the Father 
accepts him, ordains his Incarnation, pronounces his 
exaltation above all names in Heaven and Earth; 
commands all the angels to adore him; they obey, and 
hymning to their harps in full quire, celebrate the 
Father and the Son. Meanwhile Satan alights upon 
the bare convex of this World's uttermost orb; where 
wandering he first finds a place, since called the 
Limbo of Vanity; what persons and things fly up 
thither; thence comes to the gate of Heaven, described 
ascending by stairs, and the waters above the firma- 
ment that flow about it: his passage thence to the orb 



^8 PARADISE LOST. 

of the sun; he finds there Uriel the reg-ent of that orb, 
but first changes himself into the shape of a meaner 
angel; and pretending a zealous desire to behold the 
new creation, and Man whom God had placed here, 
inquires of him the place of his habitation, and is 
directed; alights first on mount Niphates. 

HaiIv, holy Liglit, offspring of Heaven first- 
born ! 
Or of the Eternal coeternal beam 
May I express thee unblamed ? since God is 

light, 
And never but in iinapproached light 
Dwelt from eternity, dwelt then in thee, 
Bright effluence of bright essence, increate! 
Or hearest thou rather pure ethereal stream, 
Whose fountain who shall tell ? before the sun, 
Before the heaven thou wert, and at the voice 
Of God, as with a mantle didst invest lO 

The rising World of waters dark and deep. 
Won from the void and formless Infinite. — 
Thee I revisit now with bolder wing, 
Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained 
In that obscure sojourn, while in my flight. 
Through utter and through middle darkness 

borne, 
With other notes than to the Orphean lyre, 
I sung of Chaos and eternal Night; 
Taught by the heavenly Muse to venture down 
The dark descent, and up to re-ascend, 20 



BOOK III. 79 

Though bard and rare; — thee I revisit safe, 
And feel f ^y sovran vital lamp; but thou 
Revisitest not these eyes, that roll in vain 
To find thy piercing ray, and find no dawn; 
So thick a drop serene hath quenched their orbs, 
Or dim suffusion veiled. Yet not the more 
Cease I to wander where the Muses haunt 
Clear spring, or shady grove, or sunny hill, 
Smit with the love of sacred song; but chief 
Thee, Sion, and the flowery brooks beneath, 30 
That wash thy hallowed feet, and warbling flow, 
Nightly I visit; nor sometimes forget 
Those other two equalled with me in fate, 
3o were I equalled with them in renown, 
Blind Thamyris and blind Mseonides, 
And Tiresias and Phineus, prophets old: 
Then feed on thoughts, that voluntary move 
Harmonious numbers; as the wakeful bird 
Sings darkling, and in shadiest covert hid 
Tunes her nocturnal note. Thus with the 
year. 40 

Seasons return, but not to me returns 
Day, or the sweet approach of even or morn, 
Or sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose, 
Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine; ' 
But cloud instead and ever- during dark 
Surrounds me, from the cheerful ways of men 
Cut off, and, for the book of knowledge fair, 



8o PARADISE LOST. 

Presented with a universal blank 

Of Nature's works, to me expunged and raised, 

And wisdom at one entrance quite shut out. 50 

So much the rather thou, celestial Light, 

Shine inward, and the mind through all her 

powers 
Irradiate, there plant eyes, all mist from thence 
Purge and disperse, that I may see and tell 
Of things invisible to mortal sight. 

Now had the Almighty Father from above, 
From the pure Empyrean where he sits. 
High throned above all highth, bent down his 

eye, 
His own works and their works at once to view. 
About him all the Sanctities of Heaven 60 

Stood thick as stars, and from his sight received 
Beatitude past utterance; on his right 
The radiant image of his glory sat, 
His only Son. On earth he first beheld 
Our two first parents, yet the only two 
Of mankind, in the Happy Garden placed, 
Reaping immortal fruits of joy and love. 
Uninterrupted joy, unrivalled love. 
In blissful solitude. He then surveyed 
Hell and the gulf between, and Satan there 70 
Coasting the wall of Heaven on this side Night, 
In the dun air sublime, and ready now 
To stoop, with wearied wings and willing feet. 



BOOK III. 8 1 

On the bare outside of this World, that seemed 
Firm land embosomed, without firmament. 
Uncertain which, in ocean or in air. 
Him God beholding from his prospect high, 
Wherein past, present, future, he beholds, 
Thus to his only Son foreseeing spake: 

"Only-begotten Son, seest thou what rage 80 
Transports our Adversary ? whom no bounds 
Prescribed, no bars of Hell, nor all the chains 
Heaped on him there, nor yet the main Abyss 
Wide interrupt, can hold; so bent he seems 
On desperate revenge, that shall redound 
Upon his own rebellious head. And now. 
Through all restraint broke loose, he wings his 

way 
Not far off Heaven, in the precincts of light, 
Directl}^ toward the new-created World, 
And Man there placed, with purpose to 

assay 90 

If him by force he can destroy, or worse. 
By some false guile pervert; and shall pervert; 
For man will hearken to his glozing lies, 
And easil}^ transgress the soul command, 
Sole pledge of his obedience; so will fall 
He and his faithless progeny. Whose fault ? 
Whose but his own ? Ingrate, he had of me 
All he could have. I made him just and right, 
Sufficient to have stood, though free to fall. 



82 PARADISE LOST. 

Such I created all the ethereal Powers loo 

And Spirits, both them who stood and them who 

failed; 
Freely they stood who stood, and fell who fell. 
Not free, what proof could they have given 

sincere 
Of true allegiance, constant faith, or love, 
Where only what they needs must do appeared, 
Not what they would? what praise could they 

receive ? 
What pleasure I from such obedience paid ? 
When will and reason — reason also is choice — 
Useless and vain, of freedom both despoiled, 
Made passive both, had served necessity, no 
Not me. They therefore, as to right belonged, 
So were created, nor can justly accuse 
Their Maker, or their making, or their fate, 
As if Predestination overruled 
Their will, disposed by absolute decree, ~ 
Or high foreknowledge. Thej^ themselves 

decreed 
Their own revolt, not I. If I foreknew, 
Foreknowledge had no influence on their fault, - 
Which had no less proved certain unforeknown. 
So, without least impulse or shadow of fate. 1 20 
Or aught by me immutably foreseen. 
They trespass, authors to themselves in all. 



BOOK III. 83 

Both what they judge and what they choose; for 

so 
I formed them free, and free the}^ must remain, 
Till they enthral themselves; I else must change 
Their nature, and revoke the high decree 
Unchangeable, eternal, which ordained 
Their freedom; they themselves ordained their 

fall 
The first sort by their own suggestion fell, 
Self- tempted, self-depraved; Man falls, de- 
ceived 130 
By the other first: Man therefore shall find grace, 
The other none. In mercy and justice both, 
Through Heaven and Karth, so shall my glory 

excel; 
But mercy, first and last, shall brightest shine." 
Thus w^hile God spake ambrosial fragrance 
filled 
All Heaven, and in the blessed Spirits elect 
Sense of new joy ineffable diffused. 
Beyond compare the Son of God was seen 
Most glorious: in him all his father shone 
Substantially expressed; and in his face 140 

Divine compassion visibly appeared, 
Love without end, and without measure grace, 
Which uttering thus he to his Father spake: 
'*0 Father, gracious was that word which 
closed 



84 PARADISE LOST. 

Thy sovran sentence, that Man should find 

grace; 
For which both Heaven and Earth shall high \ 

extol 
Thy praises, with the innumerable sound 
Of hymns and sacred songs, wherewith thy 

throne 
Kncompassed shall resound thee ever blest. 
For should Man finally be lost, should Man, 150 • 
Th}^ creature late so loved, thy youngest son, 
Fall circumvented thus by fi-aud, though joined 
With his own folly . . . that be from thee far, ^ 
That far be from thee, Father, who art judg^ 
Of all things made, and judgest only right. 
Or shall the Adversary thus obtain 
His end, and frustrate thine ? shall he fulfil 
His malice, and thy goodness bring to nought; 
Or proud return, though to his heavier doom, 
Yet with revenge accomplished, and to Hell 160 
Draw after him the whole race of mankind, 
By him corrupted ? or wilt thou thyself 
Abolish thy creation, and unmake 
For him what for thy glory thou hast made ? . . . 
So should thy goodness and thy greatness both 
Be questioned and blasphemed without defence." 
To whom the great Creator thus replied: 
' ' O Son, in whom my soul hath chief delight, 
Son of my bosom, Son, who art alone 



BOOK III. 85 

My word, my wisdom, and effectual might, 170 

All hast thou spoken as my thoughts are, all 

As my eternal purpose hath decreed. 

Man shall not quite be lost, but saved who will; 

Vet not of will in him, but grace in me 

Freely vouchsafed; once more I will renew 

His lapsed powers, though forfeit and enthralled 

By sin to foul exorbitant desires; 

Upheld by me, yet once more he shall stand 

On even ground against his mortal foe; 

By me upheld, that he may know how frail 180 

His fallen condition is, and to me owe 

All his deliverance, and to i-fone but me. 

Some I have chosen of peculiar grace, 

Elect above the rest — so is my will; 

The rest shall hear me call, and oft be warned 

Their sinful' state, and to appease betimes 

The incensed Deity, while offered grace 

Invites; for I will clear their senses dark, 

What may sufi&ce, and soften stony hearts 

To pray, repent, and bring obedience due. 190 

To prayer, repentance, and obedience due. 

Though but endeavored with sincere intent, 

Mine ear shall not be slow, mine eye not shut. 

And I will place within them as a guide 

My umpire Conscience, whom if they will hear, 

lyight after light, well used, they shall attain. 

And to the end persisting safe arrive. 



86 PARADISE LOST. 

This my long sufferance and my day of grace 

They who neglect and scorn shall never taste; 

But hard be hardened, blind be blinded more, 20c>- 

That they may stumble on and deeper fall; 

And none but such from mercy I exclude. — 

But yet all is not done; Man disobeying, 

Disloyal, breaks his fealt}^, and sins 

Against the high supremacy of Heaven, 

Affecting Godhead, and, so losing all, 

To expiate his treason hath nought left, 

But, to destruction sacred and devote. 

He with his whole posterity must die, 

Die he or justice must; unless for him 210 

Some other able, and as willing, pay 

The rigid satisfaction, death for death. 

Say, heavenly Powers, v/here shall we find such 

love ? 
Which of ye will be mortal, to redeem 
Man's mortal crime, and just the unjust to save? 
Dwells in all Heaven charity so dear ? ' ' 

He asked, but all the heavenly quire stood 

mute, 
And silence was in Heaven; on Man's behalf 
Patron or intercessor none appeared. 
Much less than durst upon his own head 

draw 22a 

The deadly forfeiture and ransom set. 
And now without redemption all mankind 



BOOK II L 87 

Must have been lost, adjudged to Death and 

Hell 
By doom severe, had not the Son of God, 
In whom the. fulness dwells of love divine, 
His dearest mediation thus renewed: 

''Father, thy word is passed, Man shall find 

grace; 
?>.nd shall Grace not find means, that find her 

way, 
The speediest of thy winged messengers, 
To visit all thy creatures, and to all 230 

Conies unprevented, unimplored, unsought ? 
Happy for man so coming! he her aid 
Can never seek, once dead in sins and lost; 
Atonement for himself or ofi"ering meet, 
Indebted and undone, hath none to bring. — 
Behold me then: me for him, life for life 
r offer; on me let thine anger fall; 
Account me Man: I for his sake will leave 
Thy bosom, and this glory next to thee 
Freely put off, and for him lastly die, 240 

Well pleased; on me let Death vv'reak all his rage. 
Under his gloomy power I shall not long 
Lie vanquished; thou hast given me to possess 
Life in myself forever; by thee I live. 
Though now to Death I yield, and am his due, 
All that of me can die. Yet, that debt paid. 
Thou wilt not leave me in the loathsome grave, 



88 PARADISE LOST. 

His prey, nor suffer my unspotted soul 

For ever with corruption there to dwell; 

But I shall rise victorious, and subdue 250 

My vanquisher, spoiled of his vaunted spoil. 

Death his death's wound shall then receive, and 

stoop 
Inglorious, of his mortal sting disarmed; 
I through the ample air, in triumph high, 
Shall lead Hell captive, maugre Hell, and shew 
The powers of darkness bound: thou, at the sight 
Pleased, out of Heaven shalt look down and smile, 
While, by the raised, I ruin all my foes. 
Death last, and with his carcase glut the grave; 
Then, with the multitude of my redeemed, 260 
Shall enter Heaven, long absent, and return. 
Father, to see thy face, wherein no cloud 
Of anger shall remain, but peace assured 
And reconcilement; wrath shall be no more 
Thenceforth, but in thy presence joy entire." 
His w^ords here ended, but his meek aspect 
Silent yet spake, and breathed immortal love 
To mortal men, above which only shone 
Filial obedience; as a sacrifice 
Glad to be offered, he attends the will 270 

Of his great Father. Admiration seized 
All Heaven, what this might mean, and whither 

tend. 
Wondering; but soon the Almighty thus replied: 



BOOK III. 89 

*'0 thou in Heaven and Earth the only peace 
Found out for mankind under wrath ! O thou 
My sole complacence ! well thou knowest how 

dear 
To me are all my works, nor Man the least, 
Though last created; that for him I spare 
Thee from my bosom and right-hand, to save, 
By losing thee awhile, the whole race lost. 280 
Thou, therefore, whom thou only canst redeem, 
Their nature also to thy nature join; 
And be thyself Man among men on earth. 
Made flesh, when time shall be, of virgin seed, 
By wondrous birth; be thou in Adam's room 
The head of all mankind, though Adam's son. 
As in him perish all men, so in thee, 
As from a second root, shall be restored 
As many as are restored, without thee none. 
His crime makes guilty all his sons; thy merit, 290 
Imputed; shall absolve them who renounce 
Their own both righteous and unrighteous deeds, 
And live in thee transplanted, and from thee 
Receive new life. So Man, as is most just. 
Shall satisfy for Man, be judged and die, 
And dying rise, and rising with him raise 
His brethren, ransomed with his own dear life. 
So heavenly love shall outdo hellish hate, 
Giving to death, and dying to redeem, 
So dearl}^ to redeem what hellish hate 300 



00 . PARADISE LOST. 

So easily destroyed, and still destroys 
In those who, when they may, accept not grace. 
Nor shalt thou, by descending to assume 
Man's nature, lessen or degrade thine own. 
Because thou hast, though throned in highest 

bliss, 
Equal to God, and equally enjoying 
Godlike fruition, quitted all, to save 
A world from utter loss, and hast been found 
By merit more than birthright Son of God, 
Found worthiest to be so by being good, 310 

Far more than great or high: because in thee 
Love hath abounded more than glory abound; 
Therefore thy humiliation shall exalt 
With thee thy manhood also to this throne: 
Here shalt thou sit incarnate, here shalt reign 
Both God and man. Son both of God and Man, 
Anointed universal King. All power 

1 give thee; reign for ever, and assume 
Thy merits; under thee, as head supreme, 
Thrones, Princedoms, Powers, Dominions, I 

reduce: 
All knees to thee shall bow, of them that bide 321 
In Heaven, on Earth, or under Earth in Hell. 
When thou, attended gloriously from Heaven, 
Shalt in the sky appear, and from thee send 
The summoning Archangels, to proclaim 
Thy dread tribunal; forthwith from all winds 



BOOK HI. 91 

The living, and forthwith the cited dead, 

Of all past ages, to the general doom 

Shall -hasten; such a peal shall rouse their sleep. 

Xhen, all thy Saints assembled, thou vshalt 

judge 330 

Bad men and Angels. They arraigned shall sink 
Beneath thy sentence; Hell, her numbers full, 
Thenceforth shall be for ever shut. Meanwhile 
The World shall burn, and from her ashes spring 
New heaven and earth, wherein the just shall 

dwell; 
And, after all their tribulations long, 
See golden days, fruitful of golden deeds, 
With Joy and lyove triumphing, and fair Truth. 
Th>in thou thy regal sceptre shalt lay hy, 
For regal sceptre then no more shall need; 340 
God shall be all in all. ' But, all ye Gods, 
Adore him, w^ho to compass all this dies: 
Adore the Son, and honor him as me." 

No sooner had the Almighty ceased, but, all 
The multitude of Angels— with a shout 
Loud as from numbers w^ithout number, sweet 
As from blest voices — uttering joy, Heaven rung 
With jubilee, and loud Hosannas filled 
The eternal regions. lyowlj^ reverent 
Toward either throne they bow, and to the 

ground 
With solemn adoration down they cast 351 



92 PARADISE LOST. 

Their crowns, inwove with amarant and gold, 

Immortal amarant, a flower which once 

In Paradise, fast by the Tree of Life, 

Began to bloom; but soon, for Man's offence, 

To Heaven removed, where first it grew, there 

grows 
And flowers aloft shading the Fount of Life, 
And where the River of Bliss through midst of 

Heaven 
Rolls o'er Blysian flowers her amber stream. 
With these that never fade the Spirits elect 360 
Bind their resplendent locks, inwreathed with 

beams. 
Now in loose garlands thick thrown off, the bright 
Pavement, that like a sea of jasper shone, 
Impurpled with celestial roses smiled. 
Then, crowned again, their golden harps they 

took — • 
Harps ever tuned, that glittering by their side 
Like quivers hung — and with preamble sweet 
Of charming symphony they introduce 
Their sacred song, and waken raptures high; 
No voice exempt, no voice but well could join 370 
Melodious part, such concord is in Pleaven. 

Thee, Father, first they sung, omnipotent, 
Immutable, immortal, infinite, 
Eternal King; thee. Author of all being, 
Fountain of light, thyself invisible 



BOOK III. 93 

Amidst the glorious brightness, where thou 

sittest 
Throned inaccessible; but when thou shadest 
The full blaze of thy beams, and, through a cloud, 
Draw.n round about thee like a radiant shrine. . . 
Dark with excessive bright thy skirts appear, 38a 
Yet dazzle Heaven, that brightest Seraphim 
Approach not, but with both wings veil their 

eyes. 
The next they sang of all creation first, 
Begotten Son, divine similitude. 
In whose conspicuous contenance, without cloud 
Made visible, the almighty Father shines, 
Whom else no creature can behold; on thee 
Impressed the effulgence of his glory abides; 
Transfused on thee his ample Spirit rests. 
*'He Heaven of Heavens and all the powers 

therein 
B}' thee created; and by thee threw down 391 
The aspiring Dominations. Thou that day 
Thy Father's dreadful thunder didst not spare. 
Nor stop thy flaming chariot-wheels, that shook 
Heaven's everlasting frame, while o'er the necks 
Thou drovest of warring Angels disarrayed. 
Back from pursuit thy powers with loud acclaim 
Thee only extolled. Son of thy Father's might, 
To execute fierce vengeance on his foot. 



94 PARADISE LOST. 

Not so on man; him, through their malice 
fallen, 400 

Father of mercy and grace, thou didst not doom 
So strictly, but much more to pity incline. 
No sooner did thy dear and only Son 
Perceive thee purposed not to doom frail Man 
So strictly, but much more to pity inclined, 
He, to appease thy wrath and end the strife 
Of mercy and justice in Xhy face discerned, 
Regardless of the bliss wherein he sat 
Second to thee, offered himself to die 
For Man's offence. Oh, unexampled love, 41c 
Love nowhere to be found less than Divine! 
Hail, Son of God, Saviour of men! thy name 
Shall be the copious matter of my song 
Henceforth, and never shall my harp thy praise 
Forget, nor from th\^ Father's praise disjoin." 

Thus they in Heaven, above the starry sphere, 
Thei. happy hours in joy and hymning spent. 
Meanwhile upon the firm opacous globe 
Of this round World, whose first convex divides 
The luminous inferior orbs enclosed 420 

From Chaos and the inroad of Darkness old, 
Satan alighted walks. A globe far off 
It seemed, now seems a boundless continent, j 
Dark, waste, and wild, under the frown of Nighr 
Starless exposed, and ever-threatening storms 
Of Chaos blustering round, inclement sky; 



BOOK III. 95 

Save on that side which from the wall of Heaven, 
Though distant far, some small reflection gains 
Of glimmering air, less vexed with tempest loud: 
Here walked the Fiend at large in spacious 

field. 430 

As when a vulture on Imaiis bred, 
Whose snowy ridge the roving Tartar bounds, 
Dislodging from a region scarce of prej^, 
To gorge the flesh of lambs or j^eanling kids, 
On hills where flocks are fed, flies toward the 

springs 
Of Ganges or Hydaspes, Indian streams; 
But in his way lights on the barren plains 
Of Sericana, where Chineses drive 
With sails and wind their cany w^aggons light; 
So, on this windj^ sea of land, the Fiend 440 

Walks up and down alone, bent on his prey; 
Alone, for other creature, in this place 
Living or lifeless, to be found was none; 
None 3'et, but store hereafter from the Earth 
Up hither like aerial vapors flew 
Of all things transitory and vain,\vhen sin 
With vanity had filled the works of men: 
Both all things vain, and. all who in vain things 
Built their fond hopes of glory or lasting fame. 
Or happiness in this or the other life. 45a 

All who have their reward on earth, the fruits 
Of painftU superstition and blind zeal, 



96 PARADISE LOSl. 

Nought seeking but the praise of men l-.ere find 

Fit retribution, empty as their deeds. 

All the unaccomplished works of Nature's hand, 

Abortive, monstrous, or unkindly mixed, 

Dissolved on Earth, fleet hither, and in vain, 

Till final dissolution, wander here; 

Not in the neighboring moon, as some have 

dreamed; 
Those argent fields more likely habitants, 466 
Translated Saints or middle Spirits hold 
Betwixt the angelical and human kind. 
Hither, of ill-joined sons and daughters born, 
First from the ancient world those Giants came, 
With man}^ a vain exploit, though then re- 
no wmed; 
The builders next of Babel, on the plain 
Of Sennaar, and still with vain design 
New Babels, had they wherewithal, would build: 
Others came single; he, to be deemed 
A god, leaped fondly into ^^tna flames 470 

Empedocles; and he who, to enjoy 
Plato's Elysium, leaped into the sea, 
Cleombrotus; and many more too long, 
Embrj^os and idiots, eremites and friars. 
White, black, and grey, .with all their trumper}^. 
Here pilgrims roam, that strayed so far to seek 
In Golgotha him dead who lives in Heaven; 
And they who, to be sure of Paradise, 



BOOK III. 97 

Dying put on the weeds of Dominic, 
Or in Franciscan think to pass disguised. 480 
They pass the planets seven, and pass the fixed, 
And that crystalline sphere whose balance 

weighs 
The trepidation talked, and that first moved; 
And now Saint Peter at Heaven's w^icket seems 
To wait them with his keys, and now at foot 
Of Heaven's ascent they lift their feet, when lo! 
A violent cross-wind from either coast 
Blows them transverse, ten thousand leagues 

awry, 
Into the divious air. Then might ye see 
Cowls, hoods, and habits wiih their wearers, 

toss • 490 

And fluttered into rags; then reliques, beads, 
Indulgences, dispenses, pardons, bulls. 
The sport of winds; all these, upwhirled aloft, 
Fly o'er the backside of the World far off 
Into a Limbo large and broad, since called 
The Paradise of Fools, to fevv^ unknown 
Long after, now unpeopled and untrod. 

All this dark globe the Fiend found as he 

passed, 
And long he wandered, till at last a gleam 
Of dawning light turned thitherward in 

haste 500 

His traveled steps. Far distant lie descries, 



98 PARADISE LOST. 

Ascending by degrees magnificent 

Up to the wall of Heaven, a structure high; 

At top whereof, but far more rich, appeared 

The work as of a kingly palace-gate, 

With frontispiece of diamond and gold 

Kmbellished; thick with sparkling orient gems 

The portal shone, inimitable on Karth 

By model, or by shading pencil drawn. 

The stairs were such as whereon Jacob saw 51C 

Angels ascending and descending, bands 

Of guardians bright, when he from Esau fled 

To Padan-Aram, in the field of lyUz 

Dreaming by night under the open sky, 

And waking cried. This is the gate of Heaven. 

Each stair mysteriously was meant, nor stood 

There always, but, drawn up to Heaven, some" 

times 
Viewless; and underneath a bright sea flowed 
Of jasper, or of liquid pearl, whereon 
Who after came from Earth sailing arrived 520 
Wafted by Angels, or flew o'er the lake 
Rapt in a chariot drawn by fiery steeds. 
The stairs were then let down, whether to dare 
The Fiend by easy ascent, or aggravate 
His sad exclusion from the doors of bliss; 
Direct against which opened from beneath, 
Just o'er the blissful seat of Paradise, 
A passage down to the Earth, a passage wide; 



BOOK III. 99 

Wider by far than that of after-times 

Over Mount Sion, and, though that were 

large, 530 

Over the Promised Land to God so dear; 
By which, to visit oft those happy tribes, 
On high behests his Angels to and fro 
Passed frequent, and his eye with choice regard 
From Paneas, the fount of Jordan's flood, 
To Beersaba, where the Holy Land 
Borders on Egypt and the Arabian shore; 
So wide the opening seemed, where bounds were 

set 
To darkness, such as bound the ocean-wave. 

Satan from hence, now on the lower stair, 540 
That scaled by steps of gold to Heaven-gate, 
Looks down with wonder at the sudden view 
0-t all this World at once. As when a scout. 
Through dark and desert ways with peril gone 
All night, at last by break of cheerful dawn 
Obtains the brow of some high-climbing hill. 
Which to his eye discovers unaware 
The goodly prospect of some foreign land. 
First seen, or some ronowned metropolis, 
With glistering spires and pinnacles adorned, 550 
Which now the rising sun gilds with his beams. . . 
Such wonder seized, though after Heaven seen^ 
The Spirit malign, but tnuch more envy seized. 
At sight of all this World beheld so fair. 



loo PARADISE LOST. 

Round he surveys — and well might, where he 

stood, 
So high above the circling canopy 
Of Night's extended shade — from eastern point 
Of Libra to the fleecy star that bears 
Andromeda far off Atlantic seas, 
Beyond the horizon; then from pole to pole 56a 
He views in breadth, and, wdthout longer pause, 
Down right into the World's first region throws 
His flight precipitant, and winds with ease 
Through the pure marble air his oblique way 
Amongst innumerable stars, that shone 
Stars distant, but nigh-hand seemed other worlds ^ 
Or other worlds they seemed, or happ}^ isles, 
lyike those Hesperian gardens famed of old, 
Fortunate fields, and groves, and flowery vales. 
Thrice-happy isles ; but who dwelt happy 

there 570 

He stayed not to inquire. Above them all 
The golden sun, in splendor likest Heaven, 
Allured his e3^e. Thither his course he bends, 
Through the calm firmament — but up or down. 
By center or eccentric, hard to tell, 
Or longitude — where the great luminary, 
Aloof the vulgar constellations thick, 
That from his lordly eye keep distance due. 
Dispenses light from far. They, as they move 
Their starry dance in numbers that compute 580 



BOOK III. Toi 

Days, months, and 3^ears, toward his all-cheering 

lamp 
Turn swift their various motions, or are turned 
By his magnetic beam, that gently warns 
The Universe, and to each inward part 
With gentle penetration, though unseen, 
Shoots invisible virtue even to the deep : 
So wonderously was set his station bright. 

There lands the Fiend, a spot like which 

perhaps 
A-stronomer in the sun's lucent orb, 
Through his glazed optic tube, yet never 

saw. 590 

Th6 place he found beyond expression bright, 
Compaied with aught on Earth, metal or stone; 
Not all parts like, but all alike informed 
With radiant light, as glowing iron with fire: 
If metal, part seemed gold, part silver clear; 
If stone, carbuncle most or chrysolite, 
Ruby or topaz, to the twelve that shone 
In Aaron's breastplate, and a stone besides 
Imagined rather oft than elsewhere seen, 
That stone, or like to that, which here below 600 
Philosophers in vain so long have sought; 
In vain, though by their powerful art they bind 
Volatile Hermes, and call up unbound 
In various shapes old Proteus from the sea, 
Drained through a limbec to his native form. 



I02 PARADISE LOST. 

What wonder then if fields and regions here 
Breathe forth elixir pure, and rivers run 
Potable gold, when, with one virtuous touch, 
The arch-chemic sun, so far from us remote, 
Produces, w^ith terrestrial humor mixed, 6ic 

Here in the dark so man}- precious things, 
Of colour glorious, and effect so rare ! 
Here matter new to ga^e the Devil met 
Undazzled. Far and wide his ej^e commands; 
For sight no obstacle found here nor shade, 
But all sunshine, as when his beams at noon 
Culminate from the equator, as they now 
Shot upward still direct, whence no way round 
Shadow from bod}^ opaque can fall ; and the air, 
Nowhere so clear, sharpened his visual ray 620 
To objects distant far, whereby he soon 
Saw within ken a glorious Angel stand, 
The same whom John saw also in the sun. 
His back was turned, but not his brightness hid ; 
Of beaming sunny rays a golden tiar 
Circled his head, nor less his locks behind 
Illustrious, on his shoulders fledge with wings, 
I^ay waving round ; on some great charge 

emplo)'ed 
He seemed, or fixed in cogitation deep. 

Glad was the spirit impure, as now in hope 630 
To find who might direct his wandering flight 
To Paradise, the happy seat of Man, 



BOOK III. 103 

His journey's end and our beginning woe : 
But first he casts to change his proper shape. 
Which else might work him danger or delay. 
And now a stripling Cherub he appears, 
Not of the prime, 3^et such as in his face 
Youth smiled celestial, and to every limb 
Suitable grace diffused, so well he feigned. 
Under a coronet his flowing hair 64c 

In curls on either cheek pla3^ed; wings he wore 
Of many a colored plume, sprinkled with gold; 
His habit fit for speed succinct, and held 
Before his decent steps a silver wand. 
He drew not nigh unheard; the Angel bright, 
Kre he drew nigh, his radiant visage turned, 
Admonished by his ear, and straight was known 
The Archangel Uriel, one of the seven 
Who in God's presence, nearest to his throne. 
Stand ready at command, and are his eyes 650 
That run through all the Heavens, or down to 

the Earth 
Bear his swift errands over moist and dry, 
O'er sea and land: him Satan thus accosts: 

"Uriel, for thou of those seven Spirits that 

stand 
In sight of God's high throne, gloriously bright, 
The first art wont his great authentic will 
Interpreter through highest Heaven to bring. 
Where all his vSons the embass}^ attend; 



I04 PARADISE LOST. 

And here are likeliest by supreme decree 

Like honor to obtain, and as his e^-e 660 

To visit oft this new creation round . . . 

Unspeakable desire to see and know 

All these his wondrous works, but chief! 5^ Man, 

His chief delight and favor, him for whom 

All these his works so wondrous he ordained, 

Had brought me from the quires of Cherubim, 

Alone thus wandering. Brightest Seraph, tell, 

In which of all these shining orbs hath Man 

His fixed seat, or fixed seat hath none. 

But all these shining orbs his choice to dwell; 670 

That I may find him, and with secret gaze 

Or open admiration him behold, 

On whom the great Creator hath bestowed 

Worlds, and on vrhom hath all these graces 

poured; 
That both in him and all things, as in meet. 
The universal Maker we ma}^ praise; 
Who justly hath driven out his rebel foes 
To deepest Hell, and, to repair that loss. 
Created this new happy race of Men 
To serve him better: wise are all his 

ways." 680 

So spake the false dissembler unperceived; 
For neither man nor angel can discern 
Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks 
Invisible, except to God alone. 



BOOK III. 105 

By his permissive will, through Heaven and 

Earth. 
And oft, though Wisdom wake, Suspicion sleeps 
At Wisdom's gate, and "-c Simplicity 
Resigns her charge, while Goodness thinks no ill, 
Where no ill seems: which now for once beguiled 
Uriel, though regent of the sun, and held 690 
The sharpest-sighted Spirit of all in Heaven; 
Who in the fraudulent imposter foul, 
In his uprightness, answer thus returned: 

"Fair Angel, thy desire, which tends to know 
The w^orks of God, thereby to glorify 
The great Work-master, leads to no excess 
That reaches blame, but rather merits praise 
The more it seems excess, that led thee hither 
From thy empj' real mansion thus alone, 
To witness with thine eyes what some per- 
haps, 700 
Contented with report, hear only in Heaven: 
For wonderful indeed are all his works, 
Pleasant to know, and w^orthiest to be all 
Had in remembrance always with delight! 
But what created mind can comprehend 
Their number, or the wusdom infinite 
That brought them forth, but hid their causes 

deep? 
I saw when at his word the formless mass, 
This World's material mould, came to a heap; 



io6 PARADISE LOST. 

Confusion heard his voice, and wild Uproar 710 
Stood ruled, stood vast Infinitude confined; 
Till at his second bidding Darkness fled, 
lyight shone, and order from disorder sprung. 
Swift to their several quarters hasted then 
The cumbrous elements, earth, flood, air, fire; 
And this ethereal quintessence of heaven 
Flew upward, spirited with various forms, 
That rolled orbicular, and turned to stars, 
Numberless, as thou seest, and how they move; 
Each had his place appointed, each his course: 720 
The rest in circuit walls this Universe. 
Look downward on that globe, whose hither side 
With light from hence, though but reflected, 

shines. 
That place is Earth, the seat of Man ; that light 
His da}^, which else, as the other hemisphere, 
Night would invade; but there the neighbouring 

moon 
— So call that opposite fair star — her aid 
Timely interposes, and, her monthly round 
Still ending, still renewing, through mid-heaven. 
With borrowed light her countenance triform 730 
Hence fills and empties, to enlighten the Earth, 
And in her pale dominion checks the night. 
That spot to which I point is Paradise, 
Adam's abode, those lofty shades his bower. 
Thy way thou canst not miss, me mine requires.'* 



BOOK III. 107 

Thus said, he turned; and Satan bowing low. 
As to superior Spirits is wont in Heaven, 
Where honor due and reverence none neglects, 
Took leave, and toward the coast of Earth beneath, 
Down from the ecliptic, sped with hoped 
success, 740 

Throws his steep flight in many an aery wheel, 
Nor stayed, till on Niphates' top he lights. 



PARADISE LOST. 

BOOK IV. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

Satan now in prospect of Eden, and nigh the place 
where he must now attempt the bold enterprise which 
he undertook alone against (iod and Man, falls into 
manj' doubts with himself, and many passions, fear, 
envy, and despair; but at length confirms himself in 
evil, journeys on to Paradise, W'hose outward prospect 
and situation is described, overleaps the bounds, sits 
in the shape of a cormorant on the Tree of Life, as 
highest in the garden, to look about him. The garden 
described; Satan's first sight of Adam and Eve; his 
wonder at their excellent form and happy state, but 
with resolution to work their fall; overhears their 
discourse, thence gathers that the Tree of Knowledge 
was forbidden them to eat of under penalty of death; 
and thereon intends to found his temptation by 
seducing them to transgress: then leaves them awhile, 
to know further of their state by some other means. 
Meanwhile Uriel descending' on a sunbeam warns 
Gabriel, who had in charge the gate of Paradise, that 
some evil spirit had escaped the Deep, and passed at 
noon by his sphere in the shape of a good angel down 
to Paradise, discovered after by his furious gestures 
in the mount. Gabriel promises to find him ere 
morning. Night coming on, Adam and Eve discourse 
of going to their rest: their bower described; their 
evening worship. Gabriel drawing forth his bands of 
nightwatch to walk the round of Paradise, appoints 



BOOK IV. 109 

two strong" angels to Adam's bower, lesj the Evil 
Spirit should be there doing- some harm to Adam or 
Eve sleeping; tjiere they find him at the ear of Eve, 
tempting" her in a dream, and bring" him, though 
unwilling", to Gabriel; by whom questioned, he scorn- 
fully answers, prepares resistance, but, hindered by a 
sign from Heaven, flies out of Paradise. 

Oh for that warning voice, which he who saw 
The x\pocal3'pse heard cry in Heaven aloud, 
Then when the Dragon, put to second rout, 
Came furious down to be revenged on men, 
Woe to the inhabitants on earth ! that nov\% 
While time was, our first parents had been 

warned 
The coming of their secret foe, and 'scaped. 
Haply so 'scaped, his m.ortal snare. For now 
Satan, now first inflamed with rage, came down, 
The tempter ere the accuser of mankind, 10 

To wreak on innocent frail Man his loss 
Of that first battle, and his flight to Hell. 
Yet not rejoicing in his speed, though bold 
Far off and fearless; nor with cause to boast 
Begins his dire attempt, which nigh the birth 
Now rolling boils in his tumultuous breast, 
And like a devilish engine back recoils 
Upon himself. Horror and doubt distract 
His troubled thoughts, and from the bottom stir 
The hell within him; for within him hell 20 

He brings, and round about him, nor from hell 
One step, no more than from himself, can fly 



no PARADISE LOST. 

By change of place. Now conscience wakes 

despair, 
That slumbered, wakes the bittei* memory 
Of what he was, what is, and what must be — 
Worse; of worse deeds worse sufferings must 

ensue. 
Sometimes toward Bden, which now in his view 
I^ay pleasant, his grieved look he fixes sad; 
Sometimes toward heaven and the full-blazing 

sun, 
Which now sat high in his meridian tower; 30 
Then much revolving thus in sighs began: 

"O thou, that, with surpassing glory crowned, 
Lookest from thy sole dominion, like the God 
Of this new world; at whose sight all the stars 
Hide their diminished heads; to thee I call, 
But with no friendly voice, and add thy name, 

Sun, to tell thee how I hate thy beams, 

That bring to my remembrance from what state 

1 fell, how glorious once above thy sphere; 

Till pride and worse ambition threw me down, 40 
Warring in Heaven against Heaven's matchless 

King. 
Ah, wherefore? he deserved no such return 
From me, whom he created what I was, 
In that bright eminence, and with his good 
Upbraided none; nor was his service hard. 
What could be less than to afford him praise, 



BOOK IV, III 

The easiest recompense, and pay him thanks ? 
How due! Yet all his good proved ill in me, 
And wrought but malice. Lifted up so high 
I 'sdeL .ed subjection, and thought one step 

higher 50 

Would set me highest, and in a moment quit 
The debt immense of endless gratitude, 
So burdensome still paying still to owe; 
Forgetful what from him I still received, 
And understood not that a grateful mind 
By owing owes not, but still pays, at once 
Indebted and discharged; what burden then ? 
Oh, had his powerful destiny ordained 
Me some inferior Angel! I had stood 
Then happy; no unbounded hope had raised 60 
Ambition. Yet why not ? some other Power 
As great might have aspired, and me though mean 
Drawn to his part. But other Powers as great 
Fell not, but stand unshaken, from within 
Or from without to all temptations armed. 
Hadst thou the same free will and power to 

stand ? 
Thou hadst. Whom hast thou then or what to 

accuse, 
Bnt Heaven's free love dealt equally to all ? 
Be then his love accursed, since, love or hate, 
To me alike it deals eternal woe. 70 

Nay, cursed be thou; since against his thy will 



•112 PARADISE LOST. 

Chose freely what it now so justly rues.— 

Me miserable! which way shall I fly 

Infinite wrath and infinite dispair ? 

Which way I fly is Hell;, myself am Hell; 

And, in the lowest deep, a lower deep 

Still threatening to devour me opens wide, 

To which the Hell I suffer seems a Heaven. 

Oh, then, at last relent! Is there no place 

Left for repentance, none for pardon left ? — 8o 

None left but by submission; and that word 

Disdain forbids me, and my dread of shame 

Among the Spirits beneath, whom I seduced 

With other promises and other vaunts 

Than to submit, boasting I could subdue 

The Omnipotent. Ay me! they little know 

How dearly I abide that boast so vain. 

Under what torments inwardly I groan. 

While they adore me on the throne of Hell, 

With diadem and sceptre high advanced, 90. 

The lower still I fall, only supreme 

In misery; such joy ambition finds, — 

But say I could repent, and could obtain 

By act of grace my former state — how soon 

Would highth recall high thoughts! how soou 

unsay 
What feigned submission bwore! Ease would 

recant 
Vows made in pain, as violent and void — 



BOOK IV, 113 

For never can true reconcilement grow 

Where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so 

deep — 
Which would but lead me to a worse relapse 100 
And heavier fall; so should I purchase dear 
Short intermission bought with double smart. 
This knows my Punisher; therefore as far " 
From granting he, as I from begging, peace. 
All hope excluded thus, behold, instead 
Of us outcast, exiled, his new delight, 
Mankind created, and for him this World! 
So farewell ftope, and with hope farewell fear, 
Farewell remorse! all good to me is lost. 
Evil, be thou my good; by thee at least 1 10 

Divided empire with Heaven's King I hold, 
By thee, and more than half perhaps will reign; 
As Man ere long, and this new World shall 

know." 
Thus while he spake each passion dimmed his 

face. 
Thrice changed with pale, ire, envy, and despair, 
Which marred his borrowed visage, and betrayed 
Him counterfeit, if any e3^e beheld; 
For heavenly minds from such distempers foul 
Are ever clear. Whereof he soon aware 
Each perturbation smoothed with outward 

calm, 120 

Artificer of fraud; and was the first 



JI4 PARADISE LOST. 

That practised. falsehood under saintly shew 

Deep malice to conceal, couched with revenge. 

Yet not enough had practised to deceive 

Uri<^.l, once warned; whose e^^e pursued him 

down 

The w^ay he went, and on the Assyrian mount 

Saw him disfigured, more than could befall 

Spirit of happy sort: his gestures fierce 

He marked and m,ad demeanor, then alone. 

As he supposed, all unobserved, unseen. 130 

So on he fares, and to the border comes 
. . . ' 

OfBden, where delicious Paradise, 

Now nearer, crowns with her enclosure green, 

As wdth a rural mound, the champain head 

Of a steep wilderness, whose hairy sides 

With thicket overgrown, grotesque and wild 

Access denied; and overhead up-grew 

Insuperable highth of loftiest shade. 

Cedar, and pine, and fir, and branching palm, 

A silvan scene; and, as the ranks ascend, 140 

Shade above shade, a woody theatre 

Of stateliest view. Yet higher than their tops 

The verdurous wall of Paradise up-sprung, 

Which to our general sire gave prospect large , 

Into his nether empire neighboring round. 

And higher than that wall a circling row 

Of goodliest trees, loaden with fairest fruit, 

Blossoms and fruits at once of golden hue. 



BOOK IV. 115 

Appeared, with gay enamelled colors mixed; 
On which the sun more glad impressed his 
beams 150 

Than in fair evening cloud, or humid bow, 
When God hath showered the earth: so lovely- 
seemed 
That landscape; and of pure now purer air 
Meets his approach, and to the heart inspires 
Vernal delight and joy, able to drive 
All sadness but despair. Now gentle gales, 
Fanning their odoriferous wings, dispense 
Native perfumes, and whisper whence they stole 
Those balm.y spoils. As when to them who sail 
Beyond the Cape of Hope, and now are past 160 
Mozambic, off at sea north-east winds blow 
Sabean odors, from the vSpicy shore 
Of Araby the Blest; with such delay 
Well pleased they slack their course, and many 

a league 
Cheered with the grateful smell old Ocean smiles: 
So entertained those odorous sweets the Fiend, 
Who came their bane, though with them better 

pleased 
Than Asmodeus with the fishy fume 
That drove him, though enamoured, from the 

spouse 
Of Tobit's son, and with a vengeance sent 170 
From Media post to Egypt, there fast-bound. 



Ii6 PARADISE LOST. 

Now to the ascent of that sleep savage bill 
Satan had journe5'ed on, pensive and slow; 
But further way found none, so thick entwined, 
As one continued brake, the undergrowth 
Of shrubs and tangling bushes had perplexed 
All path of man or beast that passed that wa}': 
One gate there only was, and that looked east 
On the other side. Which when the Arch-felon 

saw, 
Due entrance he disdained, and, in contempt, i8o 
At one slight bound high overleaped all bound 
Of hill or highest wall, and sheer within 
lyights on his feet. As when a prowling wolf. 
Whom hunger drives to seek new haunt for prey, 
Watching where shepherds pen their flocks at eve. 
In hurdled cotes amid the field secure, 
Leaps o'er the fence w^ith ease into the fold; 
Or as a thief, bent to unhoard the cash 
Of some rich burgher, whose substantial doors, 
Cross-barred and bolted fast, fear no assault, 19G 
In at the window climbs, or o'er the tiles: 
So clomb this first grand thief into God's fold; 
So since into his church lewd hirelings climb. 
Thence up he flew, and on the Tree of lyife. 
The middle tree and highest there that grew, 
Sat like a cormorant; yet not true life 
Thereby regained, but sat devising death 
To them who lived; nor on the virtue thought 



BOOK /r. 117 

Of that life-giving plant, but onh^ used 
For prospect, what well used had been the 
pledge 200 

Of immortalit}^ So little knows 
Any, but God alone, to value right 
The good before him, but perverts best things 
To worse abuse, or to their meanest use. 

Beneath him with new wonder now he views, 
To all delight of human sense exposed, 
In narrow room Nature's whole wealth, yea, more, 
A Heaven on Karth; for blissful Paradise 
Of God the garden was, b}^ him in the east 
Of Kden planted. Eden stretched her line 210 
From Auran eastward to the royal towers 
Of great Seleucia, built b}^ Grecian kings. 
Or where the sons of Kden long before 
Dwelt in Telassar. In this pleasant soil 
His far more pleasant garden God ordained. 
Out of the fertile ground he caused to grow 
All trees of noblest kind for sight, smell, taste; 
And all amid them stood the Tree of Life, 
High eminent, blooming ambrosial fruit 
Of vegetable gold; and, next to life 220 

Our death, the Tree of Knowledge, grew fast by. 
Knowledge of good bought dear b}^ knowing ill. 
Southward through Eden went a river large, 
Nor changed his course, but through the shagg}- hill 
^J'assed, underneath ungulfed; For God had thrown 



lib PARADISE LOST. 

That mountain, as his garden-mould high raised, 
Upon the rapid current, which, through veins 
Of porous earth with kindl}^ thirst up-drawn, 
Rose a fresh fountain, and with many a rill 
Watered the garden; thence united fell 23c 

Down the steep glade, and met the nether flood, 
Which from his darksome passage now appears; 
And now% divided into four main streams, 
Runs diverse, wandering maii}^ a famous realm 
And country, whereof here needs no account; 
But rather to tell how, if Art could tell 
How, from that sapphire fount the crisped books, 
Rolling on orient pearl and sands of gold, 
With mazy error under pendent shades, 
Ran nectar, visiting each plant, and fed 240 

Flowers worthy of Paradise, which not nice Art 
In beds and curious knots, but Nature boon 
Poured forth profuse on hill, and dale, and plain, 
Both where the morning sun first warmly smote 
,Tlie open field, and where the un pierced shade 
Imbrowned the noontide bowers. Thus was this 

place 
A happy rural seat of various view; 
Groves whose rich trees wept odorous gums and 

balm, 
Others whose fruit, burnished with golden rind, 
Hung amiable — Hesperian fables true, 250 

If true, here only — and of delicious taste. 



BOOK IV. 119 

Betwixt them lawns, or level downs, and flocks 
Grazing the tender herb, where interposed, 
Or palmy hillock, or the flowery lap 
Of some irriguous valley spread her store, 
Flowers of all hue, and without thorn the rose. 
Another side, umbrageous grots and caves 
Of cool recess, o'er which the mantling vine 
Lays forth her purple grape, and gently creeps 
Luxuriant. Meanwhile murmuring waters 

fall 260 

Down the slope hills dispersed, or in a lake. 
That to the fringed bank, with myrtle crowned. 
Her crystal mirror holds, unite their streams. 
The birds their quire apply; airs, vernal airs, 
Breathing the smell of field and grove, attune 
The trembling leaves, while universal Pan, 
Knit with the graces and the Hours in dance, 
lycd on the eternal Spring. Not that fair field 
Of Enna, where Proserpine gathering flowers. 
Herself a fairer flower, by gloomy Dis 270 

Was gathered, which cost Ceres all that pain 
To seek her through the world; nor that sweet 

grove 
Of Daphne, by Orontes and the inspired 
Castalian spring, might with this Paradise 
Of Eden strive; nor that Nyseian isle, 
Girt with the river Triton, where old Cham, 
Whom Gentiles Ammon call and Libyan Jove, 



I20 u-^ARADISE LOST. 

Hid Amalthea and her florid son, 

Young Bacchus, from his stepdame Rhea's eye; 

Nor, where Abassin kings their issue guard , 28. 

Mount Amara, though this by some supposed 

True Paradise, under the Ethiop line 

By Nilus' head, enclosed with shining rock, 

A whole day's journey high, but wide remote 

From this Assyrian garden, where the Fiend 

Saw undelighted all delight, all kind 

Of living creatures, new to sight and strange. 

Two of far nobler shape, erect and tall, 
Godlike erect, with native honor clad, 
In naked majesty seemed lords of all, 2(^y» 

And worthy seemed; for in their looks divine 
The image of their glorious Maker shone, 
Truth, wisdom, sanctitude severe and pure 
— Severe, but in true filial freedom placed, — 
Whence true authority in men; though both 
Not equal, as their sex not equal seemed; 
For contemplation he and valor formed, 
For softness she, and sweet attractive grace; 
He for God only, she for God in him. 
His fair large front and eye sublime declared 300 
Absolute rule ; and hyacinthine locks 
Round from his parted forelock manly hung 
Clustering, but not beneath his shoulders broad. 
She, as a'veil down to the slender waist, 
Her unadorned golden tresses wore 



BOOK IV. 121 

Dishevelled, but in wanton ringlets waved, 
As the -^'ine curls her tendrils, which implied 
Subjection, but required with gentle sway, 
And by her yielded, by him best received, 
Yielded with coy submission, modest pride, ' 31-0 
And sweet, reluctant, amorous delay. 
Nor those mysterious parts were then concealed; 
Then was not guilty shame. Dishonest shame 
Of Nature's works, honor dishonorable. 
Sin-bred, hovvr have ye troubled all mankind 
With shews instead, mere shews of seeming pure, 
And banished from Man's life his happiest life, 
Simplicity and spotless innocence I 
So passed they naked on, nor shunned the sight 
Of God or Angel, for they thought no ill: 320 
So hand in hand they passed, the loveliest pair 
That ever since in love's embraces met; 
Adam the goodliest man of men since born 
His sons, the fairest of her daughters Kve. 
;: . Under a tuft of shade, that on a green 
Stood whispering soft, by a fresh fountain-side, 
They sat them down; and, after no more toil 
Of their sweet gardening labor than sufficed 
To recommend cool Zephyr, and made ease 
More easy, wholesome thirst and appetite 330 
More grateful, to their supper fruits they fell, 
Nectarine fruits, which the compliant boughs 
Yielded them, sidelong as they sat recline 



122 PARADISE LOST. 

f 

On the soft dowii}^ bank, damasked with n-^wers. 
The savory pulp they chew, and in the rind, 
Still as they thirsted, scoop the brimming 

stream ; 
Nor gentle purpose, nor endearing smiles 
Wanted, nor youthful dalliance, as beseems 
Fair couple, linked in happy nuptial league, 
Alone as they. About them frisking played 340 
All beasts of the earth, since wild, and of all 

chase 
In wood or wilderness, forest or den. 
Sporting the lion ramped, and in his paw 
Dandled the kid; bears, tigers, ounces, pards, 
Gambolled before them; the unwield}'- elephant, 
To make them mirth, used all his might, and 

wreathed 
His lithe proboscis; close the serpent sly, 
Insinuating, wove with Gordian twine 
His braided train, and of his fatal guile 
Gave proof unheeded. Others on the grass 350 
Couched, and now filled with pasture gazingsat, 
Or bedward ruminating; for the sun, 
Declined, was hasting now with prone career 
To the Ocean isles, and in the ascending scale 
Of heaven the stars that usher evening rose: 
When Satan, still in gaze, as first he stood, 
Scarce thus at length failed speech recovered sad: 
"O Hell! what do mine e3^es with grief behold? 



BOOK IV. 123 

Into our room of bliss thus high advanced 
Creatures of other nioud, earth-born per- 
haps, 360 
Not Spirits, yet to heavenly Spirits bright 
lyittle inferior; whom my thoughts pursue 
With wonder, and could love, so lively shines 
In them divine resemblance, and such grace 
The hand that formed them on their shape hath 

poured. 
Ah, gentle pair! ye little think how nigh 
Your change approaches, when all these delights 
Will vanish; and deliver ye to woe, 
More woe, the more your taste is now of joy. 
Happy, but for so happy ill secured 370 

<IyOng to continue, and this high seat your 

Heaven 
111 fenced for Heaven to keep out such a foe 
As now is entered; yet jio purposed foe 
To \'0U, whom I could pity thus forlorn. 
Though I unpitied. League with you I seek, 
And mutual amity, so strait, so close. 
That I with you must dwell, or you with me 
Henceforth. My dwelling haply may not please. 
Xike this fair Paradise, your sense, yet such 
Accept your Maker's work; he gave it me, 380 
Which I as freely give. Hell shall unfold, 
To entertain you two, her widest, gates, 
And send forth all her* kings; there will be room, 



124 PARADISE LOST. 

Not like these narrow limits, to receive 
Your numerous offspring; if no better place, 
Thank him who puts me loath to this revenge 
On you who wrong me not, for him who 

wronged. 
And should I at your harmless innocence 
Melt, as I do, yet pifblic reason just. 
Honor and empire, with revenge enlarged 390! 
By conquering this new World, compels me now. 
To do what else, though damned, I should abhor." 

So spake the Fiend, and with necessity. 
The tyrant's plea, excused his devilish deeds. 
Then, from his lofty stand on that high tree, 
Down he alights among the sportful herd 
Of those four-footed kinds, himself now one, 
Now other, as their shape served best his end 
Nearer to view his prey, and, unespied, ; 

To mark what of th^ir state he more might 
learn , 4^^ 

By word or action marked. About them rouncj 
A lion now he stalks with fiery glare; j 

Then as a tiger, who by chance hath spied 
In some purlieu two gentle fawns at play. 
Straight couches close, then rising changes oft 
His couchant watch, as one who chose his groundj 
Whence rushing he might surest seize them botlii 
Griped in each paw : when Adam first of men 
To first of woman Eve thus moving speech 



BOOK IV. 125 

Turned him, all ear to liear new utterance 
flow : 410 

"Sole partner and sole part of all these joj^s, 
Dearer thj^self than all, needs must the power 
That made us, and for us this ample World, 
Be infinitel}^ good, and of hi^ good 
As liberal and free as infinite; 
That raised us from ihe dust, and placed us here 
In all this happiness, who at his hand 
Have nothing merited, nor can perform 
Aught whereof he hath need; he who requires 
From us no other service than to keep 420 

This one, this easy charge, of all the trees 
In Paradise that bear delicious fruit. 
So various, not to taste that onl}^ Tree 
Of Knowledge, planted by the Tree of Life; 
So near grows death to. life, wliate'er death is, 
Some dreadful thing no doubt; for well thou 

knowest 
God hath pronounced it death to taste that tree, 
The only' sign of our obedience left. 
Among so many signs of power and rule 
Conferred upon us, and dominion given 430 

Over all other creatures that possess 
Earth, air, and sea. Then let us not think hard 
One easy prohibition, who enjo}^ 
Free leave so large to all things else, and choice 
IJnlimited of manifold delights; 



126 PARADISE LOST. 

But let us ever praise him, and extol 

His bounty, following our delightful task, 

To prune these growing plants, and tend these 

flowers, 
Which were it toilsome yet with thee were 

sweet. ' ' 
i*o whom thus Eve replied; — " O thou for whom 
And from whom I was formed, flesh of thy 

flesh, 441 

And without whom am to no end, my guide 
And head, what ,thou hast said is just and right. 
For we to him indeed all praises owe, 
And daily thanks; I chiefl)^, who enjoy 
So far the happier lot, enjoying thee 
Pre-eminent by so much odds, while thou 
Like consort to thyself canst nowhere find. 
That day I oft remember, when from sleep 
I first awaked, and found myself reposed 45c 
Under a shade on flowers, much wondering 

where 
And what I was,whence thither brought, and how. 
Not distant far from thence a murmuring sound 
Of waters issued from a cave, and spread 
Into a liquid plain, then stood unmoved 
Pure as the expanse of heaven. I thither went, 
With unexperienced thought, and laid me down 
On the green bank, to look into the clear 
Smooth lake, that to me seemed another sky. 



BOOK IV. 127 

As I bent down to look, just opposite 460 

A shape within the water}^ gleam appeared, 
Bending to look on me: I started back, 
It started back; but pleased I soon returned, 
Pleased it returned as soon with answering looks 
Of sympathy and love. There I had fixed 
Mine eyes till now, and pined with vain desire. 
Had not a voice thus warned me: ' What thou 

seest, 
What there thou seest, fair creature, is thyself; 
With thee it came and goes. But follow me. 
And I will bring thee where no shadow stays 470 
Thy coming, and thy soft embraces, he 
Whose image thou art; him thou shalt enjoy 
Inseparably thine, to him shalt bear 
Multitudes like thyself, and thence be called 
Mother of human race. ' What could I do, 
But follow straight, invisibly thus led ? 
Till I espied thee, fair indeed and tall, 
Under a platan; yet methought less fair, 
Less winning soft, less amiably mild. 
Than th^t smooth watery image. Back I 

turned; 480 

Thou following criedst aloud, ' Return, fair Bve; 
Whom fliest thou? whom thou fliest, of him 

thou art, 
His flesh, his bone; to give thee being I lent 
Out of my side to thee, nearest my heart, 



I2S PARADISE LOST. 

Substantial life, to have thee by tii}^ side 
Henceforth an individual solace dear; 
Part of my soul I seek thee, and thee claim 
My other half.' With that thy gentle hand 
Seized mine; I yielded, and from that time see 
How beauty is excelled by manly grace 490 

And wisdom, which alone is truly fair." 

So spake our general mother, and with eyes 
Of conjugal attraction unreproved, 
And meek surrender, half-embracing leaned 
On our first father; half her swelling breast 
Naked met his, under the flowing gold 
Of her loose tresses hid. He in delight, 
Both of her beauty and submissive charms. 
Smiled with superior love, as Jupiter 
On Juno smiles, when he impregns the clouds 500 
That shed Mayflowers, and pressed her matron lip 
With kisses pure. Aside the DeviJ turned 
For envy, yet with jealous leer malign 
Eyed them askance, and to himself thus plained: 
" Sight hateful ! sight tormenting! thus these two 
Imparadised in one another's arms. 
The happier Kden, shall enjoy their fill 
Of bliss on bliss; while I to Hell am thrust, 
Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire. 
Among our other torments not the least, 510 

Still unfulfilled, with pain of longing pines. 
Yet let me not forget what I have gained 



BOOK IV, 



129 



From their own mouths. All is not theirs it 

seems; 
One fatal tree there stands, of Knowledge called, 
Forbidden them to taste. Knowledge forbidden! 
Suspicious, reasonless. Why should their L<ord 
Envy them that ? can it be sin to know ? 
Can it be death ? and do they only stand 
By ignorance ? is that their happy state, 
The proof of their obedience and their faith ? 520 
Oh, fair foundation laid whereon to build 
Their ruin! Hence I will excite their minds 
With more desire to know, and to reject 
Envious commands, invented with design 
To keep them low, whom knowledge might exalt 
Equal with Gods. Aspiring to be such, 
The3^ taste and die^. what likelier can ensue? — 
But first with narrow search I must walk round 
This garden, and no corner leave unspied. 
A chance but chance may lead where I may 
meet 530 

Some wandering Spirit of Heaven by fountain- 
side, 
Or in thick shade retired, from him ib draw 
What further would be learned. Live while ye may 
Yet liapp}'- pair; enjoy, till I return. 
Short pleasures, for long woes are to succeed." 

So saying, his proud step he scornful turned, 
"But with sly circumspection, and began 



130 PARADISE LOST. 

Through wood, through waste, o'er hill, o'er dale 

his roam. 
Meanwhile in utmost longitude, where heaven 
With earth and ocean meets, the setting sun 540 
Slowly descended, and with right aspect 
Against the eastern gate of Paradise 
Levelled his evening rays. It was a rock 
Of alabaster, piled up to the clouds, 
Conspicuous far, winding with one ascent 
Accessible from earth, one entrance high; 
The rest was craggy cliff, that ov^erhung 
Still as it rose, impossible to climb. 
Betwixt these rock)^ pillars Gabriel sat, 
Chief of the angelic guards, awaiting night. 550 
About him exercised heroic games 
The unarmed youth of Heaven, but nigh at hand 
Celestial armory, shields, helms, and spears, 
Hung high, with diamond flaming and with gold. 
Thither came Uriel, gliding through the even 
On a sunbeam, swift as a shooting star 
In autumn thwarts the night, when vapors fired 
Impress the air, and shews the mariner 
From what point of his compass to beware 
Impetuous winds. He thus began in haste: 560 
"Gabriel, to thee thy course by lot hath given 
Charge and strict watch, that to this happy place 
No evil thing approach or enter in. . . 
This day at highth of noon came to my sphere 



BOOK /K 131 

A Spirit, zealous, as he seemed, to know 
More of the Ahnighty's works, and chiefly Man, 
God's latest image. I described his way 
Bent on all speed, and marked his aery gait; 
But in the mount that lies from Eden north, 
Where he first lighted, soon discerned his 
looks 570 

Alien from Heaven, with passions foul obscured. 
Mine eye pursued him still, but under shade 
Lost sight of him. One of the banished crew, 
I fear, hath ventured from the Deep, to raise 
New troubles; him th}^ care must be to find." 

To vv horn the winged warrior thus returned: 
"Uriel, no wonder if thy perfect sight. 
Amid the sun's bright circle where thou sittest^ 
See far and wide. In at this gate none pass 
The vigilance here placed, but such as come 580 
Well knc'wn from Heaven; and since meridian 

hour 
No creature thence. If Spirit of other sort. 
So minded, have o'erleaped these earthy bounds 
On purpose, hard thou knowest it to exclude 
Spiritual substance with corporeal bar. 
But if within the circuit of these walks, 
In whatsoever shape he lurk, of whom 
Thou tellest, by morrow dawning I shall know.'^ 

So promised he ; and Uriel to his charge 



132 PARADISE LOST. 

Returned ou that bright beam, whose point now 

raised 
Bore him slope downward to the sun now 

fallen 591 

Beneath the Azores ; whether the prime orb, 
Incredible how swift, had hither rolled 
Diurnal, or this less volubil earth. 
By shorter flight to the east, had left him there, 
Arraying with reflected purple and gold 
The clouds that on his western throne attend. 

Now came still Evening on, and Twilight grey 
Had in her sober livery all things clad; 
Silence accompanied ; for beast and bird, 600 
They to their grassy couch, these to their nests 
Were slunk, all but the wakeful nightingale; 
She all night long her amorous descant sung. 
Silence was placed ; now glowed the firmament 
With living sapphire ; Hesperus, that led , 
The starry host, rode brightest, till the moon, 
Rising in clouded majesty, at length 
Apparent queen unveiled her peerless light. 
And o'er the dark her silver mantle threw; 
When Adam thus to Eve: — ''Fair Consort, the 

hour 
Of night and all things now retired to rest 611 
Mind us of like repose, since God hath set 
Labor and rest, as da3^ and night, to men 
Successive; and the timely dew of sleep, 



BOOK 1 V. 133 

Now falling with soft, slumberous weight, inclines 
Our eyelids. Other creatures all day long 
Rove idle, unemployed, and less need rest; 
Man hath his daily work of body or mind 
Appointed, which declares his dignity, 
And the regard of Heaven on all his ways; 620 
While other animals unactive range, 
And of their doings God takes no account. — 
Tomorrow, ere fresh morning streak the east 
With first approach of light, we must be risen. 
And at our pleasant labor to reform, 
Yon flowery arbors, yonder alleys green, 
Our walk at noon, with branches overgrown. 
That mock our scant manuring, and require 
More hands than ours to lop their w^anton growth. 
Those blossoms also, and those dropping 
guns, 630 

That lie bestrown, unsightly and unsmooth, 
Ask riddance, if we mean to tread with ease; 
Meanwhile as Nature wills, night bids us rest." 
To whom thus Kve with perfect beauty adorned: 
"My author and disposer, what thou biddest 
Unargued I obey; so God ordains: 
God is thy law, thou mine; to know no more 
Is woman's happiest knowledge, and her praise. 
With thee conversing I forget all time; 
All seasons and their change, all please alike. 640 
Sweet is the breath of morn, her rising sweet, 



134 PARADISE LOST. 

With charm of earliest birds; pleasant the sun, 
When first on this delightful land hf spreads 
His orient beams, on herb, tree, fruit, and flower, 
Glistering with dew; fragrant the fertile earth 
After soft showers; and sweet the coming-on 
Of grateful evening mild; then silent night 
With this her solemn bird, and this fair moon, 
And these the gems of heaven, her starry train •. 
But neither breath of morn, when she as- 
cends 650 
With charm of earliest birds; nor rising sun 
On this delightful land; nor herb, fruit, flower, 
Glistering with dew; nor fragrance after showers; 
Nor grateful evening mild; nor silent night, 
W^ith this her solemn bird; nor walk by moon, 
Or glittering starlight, without thee is sweet. 
But wherefore alf night long shine these? for whom 
This glorious sight, when sleep hath shut all 
eyes ?" 
To whom our general ancestor replied : 
* 'Daughter of God and Man, accomplished 
Eve, 660 
These have their course to finish round the earth, 
By morrow-evening, and from land to land 
In order, though to nations yet unborn, 
Ministering light prepared, they set and rise; 
Lest total Darkness should by night regain 
Her old possession, and extinguish life 



BOOK IV. 135 

In Nature and all things; which these soft fires 
Not only enlighten, but with kindly heat 
Of various influence foment and warm, 
Temper or nourish, or in part shed down 670 
Their stellar virtue on all kinds that grow 
On earth, made hereby apter to receive 
Perfection from the sun's more potent ra^-; 
These then, though uubeheld in deep of night. 
Shine not in vain. Nor think, though men were 

none, v 

That heaven would want spectators, God want 

praise. 
Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth; 
Unseen, both when we wake, and when we sleep; 
All these with ceaseless praise his works behold. 
Both day and night. How often, from the 

steep 680 

Of echoing hill or thicket, have we heard 
Celestial voices to the midnight air, 
Sole, or responsive each to other's note, 
Singing their great Creator! Oft in bands 
While they keepw^atch, or nightly rounding walk, 
With heavenly touch of instrumental sounds 
In full harmonic number, joined, their songs 
Divide the night, and lift our thoughts to 

Heaven." 
Thus talking, hand in hand alone they passed 
On to their blissful bower. It was a place 690 



136 PARADISE LOST. 

Chosen by the sovran Planter, when he framed 
All things to Man's delightful use. The roof 
Of thickest covert was inwoven shade, 
Laurel and myrtle, and what higher grew 
Of firm and fragrant leaf; on either side 
Acanthus, and each odorous bushy shrub, 
Fenced up the verdant wall; each beauteous 

flower, 
Iris all hues, roses and jessamine 
Reared high their flourished heads between, and 

wrought 
Mosaic; underfoot the violet, 700 

Crocus, and hyacinth, with rich inlay 
Broidered the ground, more colored than with 

stone 
Of costliest emblem : other creature here, 
Beast, bird, insect, or worm, durst enter none, 
Such was their awe of Man. In shadier bower 
More sacred and sequestered, though but feigned, 
Pan or Silvanus never slept, nor Nymph, 
Nor Faunus haunted. Here, in close recess. 
With flowers, garlands, and sweet-smelling herbs 
Espoused Eve decked first her nuptial bed, 710 
And heavenly quires the h3'mensean sung. 
What day the genial Angel to our sire 
Brought her, in naked beauty more adorned, 
More lovely, than Pandora, whom the Gods 
Endowed with all their gifts, and, oh I too like 



BOOK IV. 137 

In sad event, when, to the unwiser son 
Of Japhet brought by Hermes, she ensnared 
Mankind with her fair looks, to be avenged 
On him who had stolen Jove's authentic fire. 
Thus, at their shady lodge arrived, both 

stood, 720 

Both turned, and under open skj^ adored 
The God that made both sky, air, earth, and 

heaven, 
Which they beheld, the moon's resplendent globe. 
And starry pole: " Thou also madest the night. 
Maker omnipotent ! and thou the day, 
Which we, in our appointed work employed, 
Have finished, happy in our mutual help 
And mutual love, the crown of all our bliss. 
Ordained by the; and this delicious place 
For us too large, where thy abundance wants 730 
Partakers, and uncropt falls to the ground. 
But thou hast promised from us two a race 
To fill the earth, who shall with us extol 
Thy goodness infinite, both when we wake, 
And when we seek, as now, thy gift of sleep,"" 

This said unanimous, and other rites 
Observing none, but adoration pure, 
Which God likes best, into their inmost bow^r 
Handed the^^ went; and, eased the putting-ofF 
These troublesome disguises which we wear, 740 
Straight side by side were laid; not turned, I ween. 



T38 PARADISE LOST. 

Adam from his fair spouse, nor Eve the rites 

Mysterious of connubial love refused; 

Whatever hypocrites austerely talk 

Of purity and place and innocence, 

Defaming as impure what God declares 

Pure, and commands to some, leaves free to ail. 

Our Maker bids increase; who bids abstain 

But our destroyer, foe to God and Man ? 

Hail, wedded lyove! mysterious law true source 750 

Of human offspring, sole propriety 

In Paradise of all things common else- 

By thee adulterous lust was driven from men 

Among the bestial herds to range; by thee, 

Founded in reason, loyal, just, and pure, 

Relations dear, and all the charities 

Of father, son, and brother first were known. 

Far be it, that I should write thee sin or blame, 

Or think thee unbefitting holiest place, 

Perpetual fountain of domestic sweets ! 760 

Whose bed is undefiled and chaste pronounced, 

Present or past, as saints and patriarchs used. 

Here Love his golden shafts employs, here lights 

His constant lamp, and waves his purple wings, 

Reigns here and revels; not in the bought smile 

Of harlots, loveless, joyless, unendeared. 

Casual fruition; nor in court amours. 

Mixed ^ance, or wanton mask, or midnight ball, 

Or serenate, which the starved lover sings 



BOOK IV. 



139 



To his proud fair, best quitted with disdain. 770 
These lulled by nightingales, embracing, slept, 
And on their naked limbs the flowery roof. 
Showered roses, which the morn repaired. Sleep on 
Blest pair ! and oh, yet happiest ! if y^ seek 
No happier state, and know to know no more. 

Now had night measured with her shadow}'- cone 
Half-way up-hill this vast sublunar vault 
And from their ivory port the Cherubim 
Forth issuing, at the accustomed hour, stood armed 
To their night-watches in warlike parade; 780 
When Gabriel to his next in power thus spake 
"Uzziel, have these draw off, and coast the south 
With strictest watch ; these other wheel the north ; 
Our circuit meets full west. " — As flame they part, 
Half wheeling to the shield, half to the spear. 
From these, two strong and subtle Spirits he called 
That near him stood, and gave them thus in charge: 

"Ithuriel and Zephon, with winged speed 
Search through this garden, leave unsearched no 

nook: 
But chiefly where those two fair creatures 

lodge, 790 

Now laid perhaps asleep, secure of harm. 
This evening from the sun's decline arrived 
Who tells of some infernal Spirit seen 
Hitherward bent — who could have thought ?— 

escaped 



I40 PARADISE LOST. 

The bars of Hell, on errand bad, no doubt: 
Such, where ye find, seize fast and hither bring." 

So saying, on he led his radiant files, 
Dazzling the niocn; these to the bower direct 
In search of whom they sought. Him there they 

found, 
Squat like a toad, close at the ear of Kve 800 

Assaying by his devilish art to reach 
The organs of her fancy, and with them forge 
Illusions, as he list, phantasms and dreams; 
Or if, inspiring venom, he might taint 
The animal spirits, that from pure blood arise, 
Like gentle breaths from rivers pure, thence raise 
At least distempered, discontented thoughts. 
Vain hopes, vain aims, inordinate desires, 
Blown up wnth high conceits, engendering pride. 
Him thus intent Ithuriel with his spear 810 

Touched lightly; for no falsehood can endure 
Touch of celestial temper, but returns 
Of force to its own likeness. Up he starts 
Discovered and surprised. As when a spark 
Lights on a heap of nitrous powder, laid 
Fit for the tun some magazine to store 
Against a rumored war, the smutty grain 
With sudden blaze diffused inflames the air: 
So started up in his own shape the Fiend. 
Back stepped those two fair Angels, half- 
amazed 820 



BOOK IK 141 

So sudden to behold the grisly king; 

Yet thus, unmoved with fear, accost him soon: 

"Which of those rebel Spirits adjudged to Hell 
Comest thou, escaped thy prison? and trans- 
formed. 
Why satest thou like an enemy in wait. 
Here watching at the head of these that sleep ?" 

"Know ye not then? said Gatan, filled with scorn, 
"Know ye not me ? jq knew me once no mate 
For you, there sitting where ye durst not soar. 
Not to know me argues yourselves unknown 830 
The lowest of your throng; or if ye know, 
Why ask ye, and superfluous begin 
Your message, like to end as much in vain ?" 

To whom thus Zephon, answering scorn with 
scorn: 
"Think not, revolted Spirit, thy shape the same. 
Or undiminished brightness to be known. 
As when thoU stoodest in Heaven upright and 

pure. 
That glory then, when thou no more wast good, 
Departed from thee, and thou resemblest now 
Thy sin and place of doom obscure and foul. 840 
But come; for thou, be suie, shalt give account 
To him who sent us, whose charge is to keep 
This place inviolable, and these from harm." 

So spake the Cherub; and his grave rebuke, 
Severe in youthful beauty, added grace 



142 PARADISE LOST. 

Invincible. Abashed the Devil stood, 

And felt how awful goodness is, and saw 

Virtue in her shape how lovely; saw, and pined 

His loss; but cheifly to find here observed 

His lustre visibly impaired; yet seemed 850 

Undaunted: — "If I must contend," said he, 

"Best with the best, the sender, not the sent, 

Or all at once; more glory will be won. 

Or less be lost." — "Thy fear," said Zephonbold, 

"Will save us trial what the least can do 

Single against thee wicked, and thence weak." 

The Fiend replied not, overcome with rage; 
But, like a proud steed reined went haughty on, 
Champing his iron curb: to strive or fly 
He held it vain; awe from above had quelled 860 
Hisheart, not else dismayed. Now drew they nigh 
The western point, where those half-rounding 

guards 
Just met, and closing stood in squadron joined, 
Awaiting next command. To whom their chief, 
Gabriel, from the front thus called aloud: 

' 'O friends, I hear the tread of nimble feet 
Hasting this way, and now by glimpse discern 
Ithuriel and Zephon though the shade; 
And with them comes a third of regal port, 
But faded splendor wan, who by his gait 870 

And fierce demeanour seems the Prince of Hell, 
Not likely to part hence without contest. 



BOOK IV. 143 

Stand firm, for in his look defiance lours." 

He scarce had ended, when those two 

approached, 
And brief related whom they brought, where 

found, 
How busied, in what form and posture couched. 
To whom with stern regard thus Grabriel spake: 
"Why hast thou, Satan, broke the bounds pre- 
scribed 
To thy transgressions, and disturbed the charge 
Of others ? who approve not to transgress 880 
By thy example, but have power and right 
To question thy bold entrance on this place; 
Employed, it seems, to violate sleep, and those 
Whose dwelling God hath planted here in bliss.'* 
To whom thus Satan with contemptuous brow: 
'* Gabriel, thou hadst in Heaven the esteem of 

wise, 
And such I held thee; but this question asked 
Puts me in doubt. I^ives there who loves his 

pain? 
Who would not, finding way, break loose from 

Hell, 
Though thither doomed ? Thou wouldst thyself, 

no doubt, 890 

And boldly venture to whatever place. 
Furthest from pain, where thoumightest hope to 

chansfe 



144 PARADISE LOST. 

Torment with ease, and soonest recompense 

Dole with delight, which in this place I sought; 

To thee no reason, who knowest only good, 

But evil hast not tried; 'and wilt object 

His will who bound us. I^et him surer bar 

His iron gates, if he intends our stay 

In that dark durance. Thus much what was 

asked: 
The rest is true, they found me where they 

say : 90<^ 

But that implies not violence or harm." 

Thus he in scorn. The warlike Angel moved, 
Disdainfully half-smiling, thus replied: 
"Oh, loss of one in Heaven to judge of wise, 
Since Satan fell! whom folly overthrew, 
And now returns him from his prison, scaped, 
Bravely in doubt whether to hold them wise 
Or not, who ask what boldness brought him 

hither. 
Unlicensed from his bounds in Hell prescribed; 
So wise he judges it to fly from pain 910 

However, and to scape bis punishment! 
So judge thou still, presumptuous! till the wrath, 
Which thou incurrest by flying, meet thy flight 
Sevenfold, and scourge that wisdom back to Hell, 
Which taught thee yet no better, that no pain 
Can equal anger infinite provoked. 
But wherefore thou alone ? wherefore with thee 



BOOK IV. 145 

Came not all Hell broke loose ? is pain to them 
Less pain, less to be fled ? or thou than they 
Less hardy to endure? Courageous chief! 920 
The first in flight from pain ! hadst thou alleged 
To thy desert'^d host this cause of flight, 
Thou surely hadst not come sole fugitive." 

To which the Fiend thus answered, frowning 
stern: 
'*Not that I less endure, or shrink from pain, 
Insulting Angel ! well thou knowest I stood 
Thy fiercest, when in battle to thy aid 
The blasting, vollied thunder made all speed, 
And seconded thy else not dreaded spear. 
But still thy words at random, as before, 930 

Argue thy inexperience w^hat behoves, 
From hard assays and ill successes past, 
A faithful leader, not to hazard all 
Through ways of danger bj^ himself untried. 
I therefore, I alone, first undertook 
To wing the desolate Abyss, and spy 
This new-created world, whereof in Hell 
Fame is not silent, here in hope to find 
Better abode, and my afilicted Powers 
To settle here on earth, or in mid air; 940 

Though for possession put to try once more 
What thou and thy ga}- legions dare against; 
Whose easier business were to serve their Lord 
High up in Heaven, with songs to hymn his throne, 



146 PARADISE LOST. 

And practised distances, to cringe, not fight." 

To whom the warrior Angel soon replied : 
''To say and straight unsaj^, pretending first 
Wise to fly pain, professing next the spy, 
Argues no leader but a liar traced, 
Satan! and couldst thou faithful add? O 

name, 950 

O sacred name of faithfulness profaned! 
Vaithful to whom ? to thy rebellious crew ? — 
Army of fiends! fit body to fit head. 
Was this your discipline and faith engaged, 
Your military obedience, to dissolve 
Allegiance to the acknowledged Power supreme ? 
And thou, sly hypocrite, who now wouldst seem 
Patron of libert}^, who more than thou 
Once fawned, and cringed, and servilely adored 
Heaven's awful Monarch? wherefore but in 

hope 960 

To dispossess him, and thyself to reign ? 
But mark what I areed thee now: Avaunt! 
Fly thither whence thou fleddesti If, from this 

hour, 
Within these hallowed limits thou appear, 
Back to the infernal pit I drag thee chained, 
And seal thee so, as he»eeforth not to scorn 
The facile gates of Hell, too slightly barred." 

So threatened he; but Satan to no threats 
Gave heed; but waxing more in rage replied : 



'OOK IV. 


147 


am thy 


captive talk of 




970 



"Then when 
chains, 

Proud limitary Cherub! but ere then 
Far heavier load thyself expect to feel 
From my prevailing arm, though Heaven's King 
Ride on thy wings, and thou with thy compeers, 
Used to the yoke, drawest his triumphant wheels 
In progress through the road of Heaven star- 
paved." 
While thus he spake, the angelic squadron bright 
Turn'd fiery ^d, sharpening in mooned horns 
Their phalanx, and began to hem him round 
With ported spears, as thick as when a field 980 
Of Ceres ripe for harvest waving bends 
Her bearded grove of ears, which way the wind 
Sways them; the careful ploughman doubting 

stands, 
Lest on the threshing-floor his hopeful sheaves 
Prove chaff. On the other side, Satan alarmed, 
Collecting all his might, dilated stood, 
Like Teneriffe or Atlas, un removed. 
His stature reached the sky, and on his crest 
Sat Horror plumed; nor wanted in his grasp 
What seemed both spear and shield. Now dread- 
ful deeds 990 
Might have ensued, nor only Paradise 
In this commotion, but the starry cope 
Of heaven perhaps, or all the elements 



148 PARADISE LOST. 

At least had gone to wrack, disturbed and torn 
With violence of this conflict, had not soon 
The Eternal, to prevent such horrid fray, 
Hung forth in heaven his golden scales, yet, seen 
Betwixt Astrea and the Scorpion sign, 
Wherein all things created first he weighed. 
The pendulous round earth with balanced air looo 
In counterpoise, now ponders all events. 
Battles and realms. In these he put two weights 
The sequel each of parting and of fight: 
The latter quick up flew, and kicked the beam, 5 
Which Gabriel spying thus bespake the Fiend: ' 
"Satan, I know thy strength, and thou knowest 

mine, 
Neither our owm, but given; what folly then 
To boast what arms can do ! since thine no more 
Than Heaven permits, nor mine, though doubled 

now 
To trample thee as mire. For proof lookup, loio 
And read thy lot in yon celestial sign, 
Where thou art weighed, and shown how light, 

how weak, 
If thou resist. ' ' The Fiend looked up, and knew 
His mounted scale aloft: nor more; but fled \ 

Murmuring, and with him fled the shades of night 



PARADISE LOST. 

BOOK V. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

Morning approached, Eve relates to Adam her 
troublesome dream; he likes it not, yet comforts iier: 
they come forth to their day-labors; their morning 
hymn at the door of their bower. God to render Man 
inexcusable sends Raphael to admonish him of his 
obedience, of his free estate, of his enemy near at 
hand, who he is, and why his enemy, and whatever 
else may avail Adam to know. Raphael comes down 
to Paradise, his appearance described, his coming- dis- 
cerned by Adam afar off, sitting- at the door of his 
bower; he g-oes out to meet him, bring-s him to his 
lodge, entertains him with the choicest fruits of Para- 
dise got together by Eve; their discourse at table: 
Raphael performs his message, minds Adam of his 
state and of his enemy; relates at Adam's request who 
that enemy is, and how he came to be so, beginning 
from his first revolt in Heaven, and the occasion 
thereof; how he drew his legions after him to the parts 
of the North, and there incited them to rebel with 
him, persuading all but only Abdiel a Seraph, who in 
argument dissuades and opposes him, then forsakes 
him. 

Now Morn, her rosy steps in the eastern clime 
Advancing, sowed the earth with orient pearl, 
When Adam waked, so customed, for his sleep 
Was aery light, from pure digestion bred| 



I50 PARADISE LOST. 

And temperate vapors bland, which the only 

sound 
Of leaves and fuming rills, Aurora's fan, 
Lightly dispersed, and the shrill matin song 
Of birds on every bough ; so much the more 
His wonder was to find unwakened Bve, 
With tresses discomposed and glowing cheek, lo 
As though unquiet rest. He, on his side 
Leaning half-raised, wath looks of cordial love, 
Hung over her enamored, and beheld 
Beauty, which, whether waking or asleep. 
Shot forth peculiar graces; then, with voice 
Mild as when Zephyrus on Flora breathes, 
Her hand soft touching, whispered thus: — 

* ' Awake, 
My fairest, my espoused, my latest found. 
Heaven's last best gift, my ever-new delight, 
Awake ! the morning shines, and the fresh 

field 20 

Calls us; we lose the prime, to mark how spring 
Our tended plants, how blows the citron grove, 
What drops the myrrh, and what the balmy 

reed. 
How Nature paints her colors, how the bee 
Sits on the bloom extracting liquid sweet."' 

Such whispering waked her, but with startled eye 
On Adam, whom embracing thus she spake: 
" O sole in whom my thoughts find all repose, 



BOOK I'. 151 

My glory, my perfection, glad I see 

Thy face, and morn returned; for I this night — 30 

Such night till this I never passed — have 

dreartied. 
If dreamed, not, as I oft am wont, of thee, 
Works of day past, or morrow's next design, 
But of offence and trouble, which my mind 
Knew never till this irksome night. Methought, 
Close at mine ear, one called me forth to walk 
With gentle voice — I thought it thine. It said, 
Why sleepest thou, Eve? now is the pleasant time, 
The cool, the silent, save where silence yields 
To the night-warbling bird, that now awake 40 
Tunes sweetest his love-labored song; now reigns 
Full-orbed the moon, and, with more pleasing 

light, 
Shadowy sets off the face of things; in vain. 
If none regard. Heaven wakes with all his eyes, 
Whom to behold but thee, Nature's desire ? 
In whose sight all things joy, with ravishment 
Attracted by thy beauty still to gaze. ' 
I rose as at thy call, but found thee not ; 
To find thee I directed then my walk; 
And on, methought, alone I passed through 

ways 50 

That brought me on a sudden to the tree 
Of interdicted knowledge. Fair it seemed. 
Much fairer to my fancy than by da}^; 



152 PARADISE LOST. 

And, as I wondering looked, beside it stood 
One shaped and winged like one of those from 

Heaven, 
By us oft seen: his dewy locks distilled 
Ambrosia. On that tree he also gazed; 
And, 'O fair plant,' said he, 'with fruit sur- 
charged, _ 
Deigns none to ease thy load, and taste thy sweet, 
Nor God, nor Man ? is knowledge so despised ? 60 
Or envy, or what reserve forbids to taste ? 
Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold 
Longer thy offered good; why else set here? 
This said, he paused not, but with venturous arm 
He plucked, he tasted. Me damp horror chilled 
At such bold words, vouched with a deed so bold; 
But he thus, overjoj'ed: *0 fruit divine. 
Sweet of thyself, but much more sweet thus cropt. 
Forbidden here, it seems, as only fit 
For Gods, yet able to make Gods of men. 70 
And why not Gods of men, since good, the more 
Communicated, more abundant grows. 
The author not impaired, but honored more ? 
Here, happy creature, fair angelic Kve ! 
Partake thou also; happy though thou art, 
Happier thou mayest be, worthier canst not be. 
Taste this, and be henceforth among the Gods, 
Thyself a Goddess, not to earth confined, 
But sometimes in the air, as we, sometimes 



BOOK V. 153 

Ascend to Heaven, by merit thine, and see 80 
Wiiat life the Gods live there, and such live thou.' 
^o saying he drew nigh, and to me held, 
Even to my mouth of that same fruit held part 
Which he had plucked; the pleasant savoury smell 
So quickened appetite, that I, methought. 
Could not but taste. Forthwith up to the clouds 
With him I flew, and underneath beheld 
The earth outstretched immense, a prospect wide 
And various. Wondering at my flight and change 
To this high exaltation, suddenly 90 

My guide was gone, and I, methought, sunk 

down, 
And fell asleep; but oh, how glad I waked 
To find this but a dream! " Thus Kve.her night 
Related, and thus Adam answered sad: 

"Best image of myself, and dearer half. 
The trouble of thy thoughts this night in sleep 
Affects me equally; nor can I like 
This uncouth dream, of evil sprung, I fear; 
,Yet evil whence ? in thee can harbor none, 
Created pure. But know that in the soul £oo 
Are many lesser faculties, that serve 
Reason as chief; among these Fancy next 
Her ofiice holds; of all external things. 
Which the five watchful senses represent, 
She forms imaginations, aery shapes, 
Which Reason joining or disjoining frames 



154 PARADISE LOST. 

All what we affim or what deny, and call 

Our knowledge or opinion; then retires 

Into her private cell, when Nature rests. 

Oft in her absence mimic Fancy wakes no 

To imitate her; but, misjoining shapes, 

Wild work produces oft, and most in dreams, 

Ill-matching words and deeds long past or late. 

Some such resemblances, methinks, I find 

Of our last evening's talk, in this thv dream, 

But w4th addition strange; 3'et be not sad. 

Evil into the mind of God or Man 

May come and go, so unapproved, and leave 

No spot or blame behind; which gives me hope 

That what in sleep thou didst abhor to dream 1 20 

Waking thou never wilt consent to do. 

Be- not disheartened then, nor cloud those looks, 

That wont be more cheerful and serene, 

Than when fair Morning first smiles on -the 

world; 
And let us to our fresh employments rise, 
Among the groves, the fountains, and the flowers 
That open now their choicest bosomed smells, 
Reserved from night, and kept for thee in store." 
So cheered he his fair spouse, and she was 

cheered, 
But silently a gentle tear let fall 130 

From either eye, and wiped them w^ith her hair. 
Two other precious drops that ready stood, 



BOOK V. ' 155 

Each in their crystal sluice, he ere they fell 
Kissed, as the gracious signs of sweet remorse 
And pious awe, that feared to have offended. 

So ^11 was- cleared, and to the field they haste. 
But first, from under shadj^ arborous roof 
Soon as they forth were come to op^n sight 
Of day spring, and the sun — who scarce uprisen. 
With wheels yet hovering o'er the ocean brim, 140 
Shot parallel to the earth his dewy ray, 
Discovering in wide landscape all the east 
Of Paradise and Eden's happy plains — 
Lowly they bowed, adoring, and began 
Their orisons, each morning duly paid 
In various style; for neither various st3de 
Nor holy rapture wanted they to praise 
Their Maker in fit strains, pronounced or sung 
Unmeditated; such prompt eloquence 
Flowed from their lips, in prose or numerous 

verse, 
More tuneable than needed lute or harp 151 

To add more sweetness; and they thus began: 
" These are thy glorious works, Parent of 

good, 
Almighty! thine this universal frame. 
Thus wondrous fair; thyself how wondrous then I 
Unspeakable, who sittest above these heavens, 
To us invisible, or dimly seen 
In these thy lowest works; yet these declare 



E56 PARADISE LOST. 

Thy goodness beyond thought, and power 

divine.— 
Speak, ye who best can tell, ye sons of light, iGo 
Angels; for ye behold hjm, and with songs 
And choral symphonies, day without night, 
Circle his throne rejoicing; ye in Heaven, 
On Karth join, all ye creatures, to extol 
Him first, him last, him midst, and without end.i 
Fairest of .stars, last in the train of night. 
If better thou belong not to the dawn. 
Sure pledge of day, that crownest the smiling; 

Morn 
With thy bright circlet, praise him in thy sphere, 
While day arises, that sweet hour of prime. 170 
Thou Sun, of this great World both eye and soul, 
Acknowledge him thy greater; sound his praise 
In thy eternal course, both when thou climbest. 
And when high noon hast gained, and when -thou 

fallest. 
Moon, that now meetestthe orient Sun, now fliest^ 
With the fixed Stars, fixed in their orb that flies; 
And ye, five other wandering Fires, that move 
In mystic dance not without song, resound 
His praise, who out of darkness called up light. 
Air, and ye Elements, the eldest birth 180 

Of Nature's womb, that in quaternion run 
Perpetual circle, multiform, and mix 
And nourish all things, let your ceaseless change 



BOOK V. 157 

Vary to our great Maker still new praise. 
Ye Mists and Exhalations, that now rise 
From hill or steaming lake, dusk}^ or grey. 
Till the sun paint your fleecy skirts with gold, 
In honor to the World's great Author rise; 
Whether to deck with clouds the uncolored sky, 
Or wet the thirsty earth with falling showers, 190 
Rising or falling still advance his praise. 
His praise, ye Winds, that from four quarters blow, 
Breathe soft or loud ; and wave your tops, ye 

Pines, 
With every plant, in sign of worship wave. 
Fountains, and ye that warble, as ye flow, 
Melodious murmurs, warbling tune his praise. 
Join voices, all ye living Souls ; ye Birds, 
That singing up to Heaven-gate ascend, 
Bear on your wings and in your notes his praise. 
Ye that in waters glide, and ye that walk 200 
The earth, and stately tread, or lowly creep. 
Witness if I be silent, morn or even, 
To hill or valley, fountain, or fresh shade. 
Made vocal by my song, and taught his praise. 
Hail, universal lyord, be bounteous still 
To give us only good ; and if the night 
Have gathered aught of evil, or concealed. 
Disperse it, as now light/ dispels the dark !" 

So prayed they mnocent, and to their thoughts 
Firm peace recovered soon, and wonted calm. 210 



158 PARADISi:. 1.0ST. 

On to their morning's rural work they haste, 
Among sweet dews and flowers ; where any row 
Of fruit-trees over-woody reached too far 
Their pampered boughs, and needed hands to 

check 
Fruitless embraces: or they led the vine 
To wed her elm ; she spoused about him twines 
Her marriageable arms, and with her brings 
Her dower, the adopted clusters, to adorn 
His barren leaves. Them thus employed beheld 
With pity Heaven's high King, and to him called 
Raphael, the sociable Spirit, that deigned 221 
To travel with Tobias, and secured 
His marriage with the seven-times wedded maid. 
'^Raphael," said he, "thou hearest what stit 

on Earth 
Satan, from Hell scaped through the darksome 

gulf, 
Hath raised in Paradise, and how disturbed 
This night the human pair, how he designs 
In them at once to ruin all mankind. 
Go therefore, half this day, as friend with friend, 
Converse with Adam, in what bower or shade 23^ 
Thou findest him from the heat of noon retired, 
To respite his day-labor with repast, 
Or with repose ; and such discourse bring-on, 
As may advice him of his happy state. 
Happiness in his power left free to will, 



BOOK V. 159 

Left to his own iree-will, his will though free 
Yet mutable ; whence warn him to beware 
He swerve not, too secure. Tell him withal 
His danger, and from whom; what eneni}^, 
Late fallen himself from Heaven, is plotting 

now 240 

The fall of others from like state of bliss; 
By violence ? no, for that shall be withstood; 
But b}^ deceit and lies. This let him know, 
Lest, wilfully transgressing he pretend 
Surprisal, unadmonished, unforewarned." 

So spake the eternal Father, and fulfilled 
All justice. Nor delayed the winged Saint 
After his charge received; but, from among 
Thousand celestial Ardours, where he stood, 
Veiled with his gorgeous wings, up-springing 

light 
Flew through the midst of Heaven — the angelic 

quires, 251 

On each hand parting, to his speed gave way 
Through all the empyreal road— till, at the gate 
Of Heaven arrived, the gate self-opened wide. 
On golden hinges turning, as by work 
Divine the sovran Architect had framed. 
From hence— no cloud or, to obstruct his sight, 
Star interposed however small— he sees, 
Not unconform to other shining globes, 



l6o PARADISE LOST. 

Earth, and the garden of Gud, with cedars 

crowded 
Above all hills. As when by night the glass 261 
Of Galileo, less assured, observes 
Imagined lands and regions in the moon; 
Or pilot from amidst the C3^clades 
Delos or Samos first appearing kens, 
A cloud}^ spot. Down thither prone in flight 
He speeds, and, through the vast ethereal sky, 
Sails between worlds and worlds with st^adv 

wing, 
Now on the polar winds, then with quick fan 
Winnows the buxom air; till, within soar 270 
Of towering eagles, to all the fowls he seems 
A phoenix, gazed by all, as that sole bird. 
When, to enshrine his reliques in the Sun's 
Bright temple, to Egyptian Thebes he flies. 

At once on the eastern cliff of Paradise 
He lights, and to his proper shape returns, 
A Seraph winged. Six wings he wore, to shade 
His lineaments divine; the pair that clad 
Each shoulder broad came mantlingo'erhis breast 
With regal ornament; the middle pair 280 

Girt like a starr}" zone his waist, and round 
Skirted his loins and thighs, with downy gold 
And colors dipped in heaven; the third his feet 
Shadowed from either heel, with feathered mail, 
Sky-tinctured grain. Like Maia's son he stood.. 



BOOK ^V. i6i 

And shook his plumes, that heavenly fragrance 

filled 
The circuit wide. Straight knew him all the bands 
Of Angels under watch, and to his state 
And to his message high in honor rise; 
For on .some message high the}^ guessed him 

bound. 
Their glittering tents he passed, and now is come 
Into the blissful field, through groves of 

myrrh, 292 

And flowering odors, cassia, nard, and balm, 
A wilderness of sweets; For Nature here 
Wantoned as in her prime, and played at will 
Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more sweet. 
Wild above rule or art, enormous bliss. 
Him, through the spicy forest onward come, 
Adam discerned, as in the door he sat 
Of his cool bower, while now the mounted 

sun 300 

Shot down direct his fervid rays, to warm 
Earth's inmost wom^b, more warmth than Adam 

needs; 
And Eve wnthin, due at her hour, prepared 
For dinner savory fruits, of taste, to please 
True appetite, and not disrelish thirst 
Of nectarous draughts between, from milky 

^stream. 

Berry or grape: to whom thus Adam called: 



l62 PARADISE LOST. 

"Haste hither, Eve, and, worth thy sight, be- 
hold 
Eastward among those trees what glorious shape 
Comes this way moving; seems another morn 310 
Risen on mid-noon. Some great behest from 

Heaven 
To us perhaps he brings, and will vouchsafe 
This day to be our guest. But go with speed, 
And what thy stores contain bring forth, and pour 
Abunda?nce, fit to honor and receive 
Our heavenly strang'^r. Well we may afford 
Our givers, their own gifts, and large bestow 
From large bestowed, where Nature multiplies 
Her fertile growth, and by disburdening grows 
More fruitful, which instructs us not to 
spare." 320 

To whom thus Eve: — "Adam, earth's hallowed 
mould. 
Of God inspired! small store will serve, where 

store, 
All seasons, ripe for use hangs on the stalk; 
Save what b}^ frugal storing firmness gains 
To nourish, and superfluous moist consumes. 
But I will haste, and from each bough and brake, 
Each plant and juciest gourd, will pluck such 

choice 
To entertain our Angel-guest, as he- 
Beholding shall confess, that here on Earth 



BOOK V. 163 

God hath dispensed bounties as in Heaven." 33a 

So saying, with despatch ful looks in haste 
She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent, 
What choice to choose for delicacy best, 
What order, so contrived as not to mix 
Tastes, not well joined, inelegant, but bring 
Taste after taste upheld with kindliest change; 
Bestirs her then, and, from each tender stalk 
Whatever earth, all-bearing mother, yields, 
In India East or West, or middle shore 
In Pontus, or the Punic coast, or where 340 

Alcinoiis reigned, fruit of all kinds, in coat 
Rough orvsmooth-rined, or bearded husk, or shell, 
She gathers, tribute large, and on the board 
Heaps with unsparing hand. For drink the grape 
She crushes, inoffensive must, and meaths 
From many a berry, and from sweet kernels 

pressed 
She tempers dulcet creams; nor these to hold 
Wants her fit vessels pure; then strows the ground 
With rose and odors from the shrub unfumed. 

Meanwhile our primitive great sire, to meet 350 
His godlike guest, walks forth, without more train 
Accoi^panied than with his own complete 
Perfections; in himself was all his state. 
More solemn than the tedious pomp that waits 
On princes, when their rich retinue long 
Of horses led, and grooms besmeared with gold, 



i64 PARADISE LOST. 

Dazzles the crowd, and setc them all agape. 
Nearer his presence, Adam, though not awed, 
Yet with submiss approach and reverence meek, 
As to a superior nature, bowing low, 360 

Thus said: — ''Native of Heaven — for other place 
None can than Heaven such glorious shape 

contain — 
Since, by descending* from the Thrones above. 
Those happy places thou hast deigned awhile 
To want, and honor these, vouchsafe wath us. 
Two only, who yet by sovran gift possess 
This spacious ground, in yonder shady bower 
To rest, and what the garden choicest bears 
To sit and taste, till this meridian heat 
Be over, and the sun more cool decline." 370 
Whom thus the angelic Virtue answered mild: 
"Adam, I therefore came; nor art thou such 
Created, or such place hast here to dwell, 
As may not oft invite, though Spirits of Heaven 
To visit thee. I^ead on then where thy bower 
O'ershades; for these mid-hours, till evening rise, 
I have at will." — So to the silvan lodge 
They came, that like Pomona's arbor smiled, 
With flowerets decked, and fragrant smells; but 

Kve, _ 

Undecked save with herself, more lovely fair 380 
Than wood-nymph, or the fairest goddess feigned 
Of three that in mount Ida naked strove. 



BOOK V. 165 

Stood to entertain her guest from Heaven; no veil 
She needed, virtue proof; no thought infirm 
Altered her cheek. On v^hom the angel Hail! 
Bestowed, the holy salutation used 
lyong after to blest Mary, second Eve : 

* 'Hail, Mother of mankind, whose fruitful womb 
Shall find the world more numerous with thy sons. 
Than with these various fruits the trees of 
God 390 

Have heaped this table!" — Raised of grassy turf 
Their table was, and mossy seats had round, 
And on her ample square from side to side 
All autumn piled, though spring and autum here 
Danced hand in hand. Awhile discourse they 

hold- 
No fear less dinner cool — when thus began 
Our author : — ' 'Heavenly stranger, please to taste 
These bounties, which our Nourisher, from whom 
All perfect good, unmeasured out, descends, 
To us for food and for delight hath caused 400 
The earth to yield; unsavory food perhaps 
To spiritual natures; only this I know, 
That one celestial Father gives to all." 

To whom the Angel: — "Therefore what he 
gives — 
Whose praise be ever sung — to Man, in part 
Spiritual, nia^^ of purest Spirits be found 
No ingrateful food; and food alike those pure 



i66 PARADISE LOST. 

Intelligential substances require, 
As doth your rational; and both contaiii 
Within them every lower faculty 410 

Of sense, whereby they hear, see, smell, touch, 

taste, 
Tasting concoct, digest, assimilate. 
And corporeal to incorporeal turn. 
For know, whatever was created need.s 
To be sustained and fed; of elements 
The grosser feeds the purer, earth the sea, 
Earth and the sea feed air, the air those fires 
Bthereal, and as lowest first the moon; 
Whence in her visage round those spots, unpurged 
Vapors not yet into her substance turned. ^20 
Nor doth the moon no nourishment exhale 
From her moist continent to higher orbs. 
The sun, that light imparts to all, receives 
From all his alimental recompense 
In humid exhalations, and at even 
Sups with the Ocean. Though in Heaven the trees 
Of life ambrosial fruitage bear, and vines 
Yield nectar; though from oflf the boughs each 

morn 
We brush mellifluous dews, and find the ground 
Covered with pearly grain : yet God hath here 430 
Varied his bounty so with new delights, 
As ma}'' compare with Heaven; and to taste 
Think not I shall be nice." So down they sat, 



BOOK V. .5; 

And to their viands fell; nor seemingly 
The Angel, nor in mist, the common gloss 
Of theologians; but with keen despatch 
Of real hunger, the concoctive heat 
To transubstantiate; what redounds transpires 
Through Spirits with ease; nor wonder : if by fire 
Of soot}^ coal the empiric alchemist 440 

Can turn, or holds it possible to turn, 
Metals of drossiest ore to perfect gold 
As from the mine. Meanwhile at table Eve 
Ministered naked, and their flowing cups 
With pleasant liquors crowned. O innocenC'f 
Deservi-^g Paradise ! if ever, then, 
Then had the sons of God excuse to have been 
Knamoi ;"d at that sight; but in those hearts 
Love u ibidinous reigned, nor jealousy 
Was u^ erstood, tne injured lover's hell. 45c 
Thuf> vhen with meats and drinks they had 
s fficed, 
Not burdened nature, sudden mind arose 
In Adam not to let the occasion pass, 
Given him by this great conference, to know 
Of things above his world, and of there being 
Who dwell in Heaven, whose excellence he saw 
Transcend his own so far, whose radiant forms, 
Divine effulgence, whose high power so far 
Exceeded human, and his wary vSpeech 
Thus to t^e empyreal minister he framed: 460 



i68 PARADISE LOST. 

* 'Inhabitant with God, new know I well 
Thy favor, in this honor done to Man, 
Under whose lowly roof thou hast vouchsafed 
To enter, and these earthly fruits to taste, 
Food not of Angels, yet accepted so, 
As that more willingly thou couldst not seem 
At Heaven's high feasts to have fed; yet what 
compare !" 

To whom the winged Hierarch replied: 
''O Adam, one Almighty is, from whom 
All things proceed, and up to him return, 470 
If not depraved from good, created all 
Such to perfection, one first matter all, 
Indued with various forms, various degrees 
Of substance, and, in things that live, of life; 
But more refilled, more spirituous, and pure, 
As nearer to him placed or nearer tending, 
Each in their several active spheres assigned. 
Till body up to spirit, work, in bounds 
Proportioned to each kind. So from the root 
Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the 
leaves 480 

More aery, last the bright consummate flower 
Spirits odorous breathes: flowers and their fruit, 
Man's nourishment, by gradual scale sublimed, 
To vital spirits aspire, to animal, 
To intellectual; give both life and sense. 
Fancy and understanding; whence the soul 



BOOK V. 169 

Reason receives, and reason is her being, 

Discursive, or intuitive; discourse 

Is oftest yours, the latter most is ours. 

Differing but in degree, of kind the same. 490 

Wonder not then what God for you saw good 

If I refuse not, but convert, as you, 

To proper substance. Time may come when men 

With Angels may participate, and find 

No inconvenient diet, nor too light fare; 

And from these corporal nutriments perhaps 

Your bodies may at last turn all to spirit, 

Improved by tract of time, and winged ascend 

Ethereal, as we, or may at choice 

Here or in heavenly Paradise dwell; 500 

If ye be found obedient, and retain 

Unalterably firm his love entire, 

Whose progeny 3'OU are. Meanwhile enjoy 

Your fill what happiness this happy state 

Can comprehend, incapable of more." 

To whom the patriarch of mankind replied: 
"O favorable Spirit, propitious guest, 
Well hast thou taught the way that might direct 
Our knowledge, and the scale of nature set 
From centre to circumference; whereon, 510 

In contemplation of created things. 
By steps we may ascend to God. But say, 
What meant that caution joined. If ye be found 
Obedient? can we want obedience then 



170 PARADISE LOST. 

To him, or possibly his love desert ? 

Who formed lis from the dust, and placed us 

here, 
Full to the utmost measure of what bliss 
Human desires can seek or apprehend." 
To whom the Angel: — "Son of Heaven and 

Earth, 
Attend! That thou art happy, owe to God; 520 
That thou continuest such, owe to thyself. 
That is, to thy obedience; therein stand. 
This was that caution given thee; be advised. 
God niay thee perfect, no^ immutable; 
And good he made thee, but to persevere 
He left it in thy power; ordained thy will 
By nature free, not overruled by fate 
Inextricable, or strict necessity. 
Our voluntary service he requires. 
Not our necessitated; such with him 530 

Finds no acceptance, nor can find; for how 
Can hearts not free be tried, whether they serve 
Willing or no? who will but what .they must 
By destiny, and can no other choose. 
Myself and all the angelic host, that stand 
In sight of God enthroned, our happy state 
Hold, as 3^ou yours, while our obedience holds; 
On other surety none; freely we serve, 
Because we freely love, as in our will 
To love or not; in this we stand or fall. 54O 



BOOK V. lyi 

And some are fallen, to disobedience fallen, 
And so from Heaven to deepest Hell. Oh, fall 
From what high state of bliss into what woe! " 

To whom our great progenitor: — ' ' Thy words 
Attentive, and with more delighted ear. 
Divine instructor, I have heard, than when 
Cherubic songs by night from neighboring hills 
Aerial music send; nor knew I not 
To be both will and deed created free. 
Yet that we never shall forget to love 550 

Our Maker, and obe3^ him whose command 
Single is yet so just, my constant thoughts 
Assured me, and still assure; though what thou 

tellest 
Hath passed in Heaven, some doubt within me 

move, 
But more desire to hear, if thou consent, 
The full relation, which must needs be strange, 
Worth}^ of sacred silence to be heard. 
And we have 3^et large day, for scarce the sun 
Hath finished half his journey, and scarce begins 
His other half in the great zone of heaven . " 560 

Thus Adam made request; and Raphael, 
After short pause assenting, thus began: 

"High matter thou enjoinest me, O prime of 
men, 
Sad task and hard; for how shall I relate 
To human sense the invisible exploits 



172 PARADISE LOST. 

Of warring Spirits ? how, without remorse, 

The ruin of so many glorious once, 

And perfect while they stood? how last unfold 

The secrets of another world, perhaps 

Not lawful to reveal? Yet for thy good 570 

This is dispensed; and what surmounts the reach 

Of human sense I shall declineate so, 

By likening spiritual to corporal forms, 

As may express them best. Though what if 

Earth 

Be but the shadow of Heaven, and things therein 

Each to other like, more than on Earth is 

thought! 

**As yet this World w^as not, and Chaos wild 

Reigned where these heavens now roll, where 

earth now rests 
Upon her centre poised; when on a day — 
For time, though in eternit}^, applied 580 

To motion, measures all things durable 
By present, past, and future— on such day 
As Heaven's great year brings forth, the empy- 
real host 
Of Angels, by imperial summons called, 
Innumerable before the Almighty's throne 
Forthwith from all the ends of Heaven appeared, 
Under their hierarchs in orders bright. 
Ten thousand thousand ensigns high advanced, 
Standards and gonfalons, 'twixt van and real. 



BOOK V. 173 

Stream in the air, and for distinction serve 59c 

Of hierarchies, of orders, and degrees; 

Or in their glittering tissues bear emblazed 

Holy memorials, acts of zeal and love 

Recorded eminent. Thus when in orbs 

Of circuit inexpressible they stood. 

Orb within orb, the Father infinite, 

By whom in bliss embosomed sat the Son, 

Amidst as from a flaming mount, whose top 

Brightness had made invisible, thus spake: 

** 'Hear, all ye Angels, progeny of light, 60G 
Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, 

Powers, 
Hear my decree, which unrevoked shall stand. 
This day I have begot whom I declare 
My only Son, and on this holy hill 
Him have anointed, whom ye now behold 
At my right-hand; your head I him appoint; 
And by mj^self have sworn, to him shall bow 
All knees in Heaven, and shall confess him Lord. 
Under his great vicegerent reign abide, 
United as one individual soul, 610 

For ever happy. Him who disobeys 
Me disobeys, breaks union, and that da}^ 
Cast out from God and blessed vision, falls 
Into utter darkness, deep engulfed, his place 
Ordained without redemption, without end.' 

*'So spake the Omnipotent, f^tid v^dth his words 



174 paradisp: lost, 

A.11 seemed well pleased; all seemed, but were 

not all. 
Tiiat day, as other solemn days, they spent 
In song and dance about the sacred hill, 
Mystical dance, which yonder starry sphere 620 
Of planets and of fixed in all her wheels 
Resembles nearest, mazes intricate, 
Eccentric, intervolved, yet regular 
Then most, when most irregular they seem; 
And in their motions harmony divine 
So smooths her charming tones, that God'sownear 
Listens delighted. Evening now approached — 
For we have also our evening and our morn. 
We ours for change delectable, not need — 
Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they 

turn 630 

Desirous. All in circles as they stood, 
Tables are set, and on a sudden piled 
With Angels' food, and rubied nectar flows 
In pearl, in diamond and massy gold, 
Fruit of delicious vines, the growth of Heaven 
On flowers reposed, and with fresh flowerets 

crowned, 
They eat, they drink, and in communion sweet 
Quaff immortalit]^^ and jo}', secure 
Of surfeit, where full measure only bounds 
Excess, before the all-bounteous King, who 

showered 



BOOK I\ 175 

With copious hand, rejoicing in their joy. 641 
"Now when ambrosial night, with clouds 

exhaled 
From that high mount of God, whence light and 

shade 
Spring both, the face of brightest Heaven had 

changed 
To grateful twilight — for night comes not there 
In darker veil — and roseate dews disposed 
All but the unsleepirig eyes of God to rest; 
Wide over all the plain, and wider far 
Than all this globous Karth in plain outspread — 
SucharethecourtsofGod — the angelic throng, 650 
Dispersed in bands and fil'es, their camp extend 
By living streams among the trees of life, 
Pavilions numberless, and sudden reared. 
Celestial tabernacles, where they slept 
Fanned with cool winds; save those who, in their 

course, 
Melodious hymns about the sovran throne 
Alternate all night long. But not so waked 
Satan — so called him now, his former name 
Is heard no mor^ in Heaven. He of the first, 
If net the first Archangel, great in power, 660 
In favor, and pre-eminence, yet fraught 
With envy against the Son of God, that day ^ 
Honored by his great Father, and proclaimed 
Messiah, King amunted, could not bear 



176 PARADISE LOST. 

Through pride that sight, and thought himself 

impaired. 
Deep malice thence conceiving and disdain, 
Soon as midnight brought on the dusky hour 
Friei'dliest to sleep and silence, he resolved 
With all his legions to dislodge, and leave 
Unworshiped, unobeyed, the throne supreme, 670 
Contemptuous; and his next subordinate 
Awakening, thus to him in secret spake: 

" 'Sleepest thou, companion dear? what sleep 

can close 
Th}^ eyelids ? and rememberest what decree, 
Of 3'esterday, so late hath passed the lips 
Of Heaven's Almighty. Thou to me thy thoughts 
Wast w^ont, I mine to thee was wont to impart; 
Both waking we were one; how then can now 
Thy sleep dissent ? New laws thou seest imposed; 
Newlawsfrom him who reignsnewmiirdsmaj^ raise . 
In us who serve, new counsels, to debate 681 
What doubtful ma}' ensue. — More in this place 
To utter is not safe. Assemble thou 
Of all those myriads which we lead the chief; 
Tell them that b\^ command, ere yet dim night 
Her shadowy cloud withdraws, I am to haste. 
And all who under me their banners Avave, 
Homeward with flying march, where we possess 
The quarters of the North ; there to prepare 
Fit entertainment to receive our King. 690 



BOOK V. 177 

The great Messiah, and his new commands, 
Who speedily through all the hierarchies 
Intends to pass triumphant, and give laws.' 

"So spake the false Archangel, and infused 
Bad influence into the unwary breast 
Of his associate. He together calls, 
Or several one by one, the regent Powers, 
Under him regent; tells, as he was taught, 
•That, the Most High commanding, now ere night, 
Now ere dim night had disencumbered Heaven, 700 
The great hierarchal standard was to move; 
Tells the suggested cause, and casts between 
Ambiguous words and jealousies, to sound 
Or taint integrit}^ But all obeyed 
The wonted signal, and superior voice 
Of their great Potentate; for great indeed 
His name, and high was his degree in Heaven. 
His countenance, as the morning star that guides 
The starry flock, allured them, and with lies 
Drew after him the third part of Heaven's host. 7^0 
"Meanwhile the eternal eye, whose sight discerns 
Abstrusest thoughts, from forth his holy mount, 
And from within the golden lamps that burn 
Nightly before him, saw without their light 
Rebellion rising, — saw in whom, how spread 
Among the Sons of Morn, what multitudes 
Were banded to oppose his high decrees 
And smiling to his only Son thus saic . 



178 PARADISE LOST. 

** 'Son, thou in whom mj^ glory 1 behold 
In full resplendence, Heir of all my might, 720 
Nearly it now concerns us to be sure 
Of our omnipotence, and with what arms 
We mean to hold what anciently we claim 
Of deity or empire: such a foe 
Is rising, w^ho intends to erect his throne 
Equal to ours, throughout the spacious North; 
Nor so content, hath in his thought to try 
In battle what our power is, or our right. 
Let us advise, and to this hazard draw 
With speed what force is left, and all employ 730 
In our defence, lest unawares we lose 
This our high place, our sanctuary, our hill.' 

''To whom the Son, with calm aspect and clear, 
lyightning divine, ineffable, serene, , 
Made answer: — 'Mighty Father, thou thy foes 
Justly hast in derision, and secure 
Laughest at their vain designs and tumults vain, 
Matter to me of glor}^ whom their hate 
Illustrates, when they see all regal power 
Given me to quell their pride, and in event 740 
Know whether I be dextrous to subdue 
Th}^ rebels, or be found the worst in Heaven.' 

"So spake the Son; but Satan with his powers 
Far was advanced on winged speed, a host 
Innumerable as the stars of night, 
Or stars of morning, dewdrops which the sun 



BOOK V. 179 

Impearls on every leaf and every flower. • 
Regions they passed, the mighty regencies 
Of Seraphim and Potentates and Thrones 
In their triple degrees; regions to which 750 

All thy dominion, Adam, is no more 
Than what 'this garden is to all the earth 
And all the sea, from one entire globose 
Stretched into longitude; which having passed 
At length into the limits of the North 
They came, and Satan to his royal seat 
High on a hill, far blazing, as a mount 
Raised on a mount, with pyramids and towers 
From diamond quarries hewn and rocks of gold. 
The palace of great Lucifer — so call 760 

That structure in the dialect of men 
Interpreted — which not long after he, 
Affecting all equality with God, 
In imitation of that mount whereon 
Messiah was declared in sight of Heaven, 
The Mountain of the Congregation called; 
For thither he assembled all his train, 
Pretending so commanded to consult 
About the great reception of their king 
Thither to come; and with calumnious art 770 
Of counterfeited truth thus held their ears: 

" 'Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, 
Powers . . . 
If these magnific titles yet remain 



i8o PARADISE LOST. 

Not merely titular, since by decree 
Another now hath to himself engrossed 
All power, and us eclipsed, under che name 
Of King, anointed; for whom all this haste 
Of midnight-march, and hurried meeting here, 
This only to consult how we may best, 
With what maj^ be devised of honors new, 780 
Receive him, coming to receive from us 
Knee-tribute yet unpaid, prostration vile. 
Too much to one, but double how endured 
To one and to his image now proclaimed? 
But what if better counsels might erect 
Our minds, and teach us to cast off this yoke! 
Will ye submit your necks, and choose to bend 
The supple knee ? — ye will not, if I trust 
To know ye right, or if ye know yourselves, 
Natives and sons of Heaven, possessed before 790 
By none; and if not equal all, yet free, 
"Equally free; for orders and degrees 
Jar not with liberty, but well consist. 
Who can in reason then, or right, assume 
Monarchy over such as live by right 
His equals, if in power and splendor less. 
In freedom equal ? or can introduce 
Law and edict on us, who without law 
Err not ? much less for this to be our lyord, 
And look for adoration, to the abuse 800 

Of those imperial titles, which assert 



BOOK V. i8i 

Our oeing ordained to govern, not to serve.' 

"Thus far his bold discourse without control 
Had audience, when among the Seraphim 
i\bdiel, than whom none with more zeal adored 
The Deity, and divine commands obeyed. 
Stood up, and, in a flame of zeal severe, 
The current of his fury thus opposed : 

" *0 argument blasphemous, false, and proud! 
Words which no ear ever to hear in Heaven 8io 
Expected! least of all from thee, ingrate. 
In place thyself so high above thy peers. 
Canst thou with impious obloquy condemn 
The just decree of God? pronounced and sworn, 
That to his only Son, by right indued 
With regal sceptre, every soul in Heaven 
Shall bend the knee, and in that honor due 
Confess him rightful King. Unjust, thou say est. 
Flatly unjust, to bind with laws the free. 
And equal over equals to let reign, 820 

One over all .with unsucceeded power. 
Shalt thou give law to God ? shalt thou dispute 
Witlj him the points of liberty ? who made 
Thee what thou art, and formed the Powers of 

Heaven 
Such as he pleased, and circumscribed their being. 
Yet, by experience taught, w^e know how good. 
And of our good and of our dignity 
How provident he is, how far from thought 



i82 PARADISE LOST. 

To make us less, bent rather to exalt 

Our happy state, under one head more near 830 

United. But, to grant it thee unjust 

That equal over equals monarch reign — 

Thj^^self, though great and glorious, dost thou 

count, 
Or all angelic nature joined in one, 
Equal to him, begotten Son ? by whom 
As by his Word the mighty Father made 
All things, even thee; and all the Spirits of 

Heaven 
By him created in their bright degrees,- 
Crowned them with glory and to their glory 

named 
Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, 

Powers. 
Essential Powers; nor by his reign obscured, 841 
But more illustrious made; since he the head 
One of our number thus reduced becomes; 
His laws our laws; all honor to him done 
Returns our own. Cease then this impious rage, 
And tempt not these; but hasten to appease 
The incensed Father, and the incensed Son, 
While pardon may be found, in time besought.' 

"So spake the fervent Angel; but his zeal 
None seconded, as out of season judged, 850 

Or singular and rash, whereat rejoiced 
The Apostate, and more haughty thus replied: 



BOOK V. 183 

* ' 'That we were formed then say est thou ? and 
the work 
Of secondary hands, by task transferred 
From Father to his Son ? strange point, and new 1 
Doctrine which we would know whence learned. 

Who saw 
When this creation was ? rememberest thou 
Thy making, while the Maker gave thee being? 
We know no time when we were not as now; 
Know none before us, self-begot, self-raised 860 
By our own quickening power, when fatal course 
Had circled his full orb, the birth mature 
Of this our native Heaven, ethereal sons. 
Our puissance is our own; our own right-hand 
Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try 
Who is our equal. Then thou shalt behold 
Whether by supplication we intend 
Address, and to begirt the almighty throne 
Beseeching or besieging. This report. 
These tidings carry to the anointed King; 870 
And fly, ere evil intercept thy flight. ' 

"He said; and, as the sound of waters deep, 
Hoarse murmur echoed to his words applause 
Through the infinite host; nor less for that 
The flaming Seraph, fearless though alone, 
Bncompased round with foes, thus answered bold; 

" 'O alienate from God! O Spirit accursed, 
Forsaken of all good! I see thy fall 



iM PARADISE LOST. 

Determined, and thy hapless crew involved 

111 this perfidious fraud, contagion spread 880 

Both of thy crime and punishment. Henceforth 

No more be troubled how to quit the yoke 

Of God's Messiah; those indulgent laws 

Will not be now vouchsafed; other decrees 

Against thee are gone forth without recall ; 

That golden sceptre which thou didst reject. 

Is now an iron rod to bruise and break 

Thy disobedience. Well thou didst. advise; 

Yet not for thy advice or threats I fly 

These wicked tents devoted, lest the wrath 890 

Impendent, raging into sudden flame, 

Distinguish not; for soon expect to feel 

His thunder on thy head, devouring fire. 

Then who created thee lamenting learn, 

When who c^n uncreate thee thou shalt know.' 

"So spake the Seraph Abdiel, faithful found 
Among the faithless, faithful only he; 
Among innumerable false, unmoved. 
Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified 
His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal; 900 

Nor number, nor example wath him wrought 
To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind, 
Though single. From amidst them forth he 

passed,. 
Long way through hostile scorn, which he 

sustained 



bol:< v. 185 

Superior, nor of violence feared aught; 
And, with retorted scorn, his back he turned 
On those proud towers, to swift destruction 
doomed. 



PARADISE LOST. 

BOOK VI. 

THK ARGUMENT. 

Raphael continues to relate how Michael and 
Gabriel were sent forth to battle ag-ainst Satan and 
his Angels. The first fig-ht described: Satan and his 
Powers retire under nig-ht: he calls a council, invents 
devilish engines, which in the second day's fight put 
Michael and his Angels to some disorder: but they at 
length, pulling up mountains, overwhelmed both the 
force and machines of Satan: yet the tumult not so 
ending, God on the third day sends Messiah his Son, 
for whom he had reserved the glory of that victory: 
he, in the power of his Father, coming to the place, 
and causing all his legions to stand still on either side, 
with his chariot and thunder driving into the midst of 
his enemies, pursues them unable to resist toward the 
wall of Heaven; which opening, they leap down with 
horror and confusion into the place of punishment 
prepared for them in the Deep: Messiah returns with 
triumph to his I ather. 

Ai.L night the dreadless Angel, unpursued, 
Through Heaven's wide champaign, held hi* 

way, till Morn, 
Waked by the circling Hours, with rosy liand, 
Unbarred the gates of light. There is a cave 
Within the mount of God, fast by his throne, 
Where lyight and Darkness is perpetual round 



BOOK VI. 1 87 

Lodge and dislodge by turns, which makes 

through Heaven 
Grateful vicissitude, like day and night; 
Light issues forth, and at the other door 
Obsequious Darkness enters, till her hour lo 

To veil the heaven; through darkness there 

might well 
Seem twilight here. And now went forth the 

]\Iorn 
Such as in highest Heaven, arrayed in gold 
Kmpyreal; froni' before her vanished Night, 
Shot through with orient beams; when all the 

plain, 
Covered with thick embattled squadrons bright, 
Chariots, and flaming arms, and fiery steeds. 
Reflecting blaze on blaze, first met his view. 
War he perceived, war in procinct, and found 
Already knov/n what he for news had thought 20 
To have reported; gladly then he mixed 
Among those friendly Powers, who him received 
With joy and acclamations loud, that one, 
That of so many myriads fallen yet one. 
Returned not lost. On to the sacred hill 
They led him high applauded, and present 
Before the seat supreme, from whence a voice 
From midst a golden cloud thus mild was heard: 
** 'Servant of God, well done; well hast thou 

foii":ht 



i88 PARADISE LOST. 

The better fight, who single hast maintained 30 

Against revolted multitudes the cause 

Of truth, in word mightier than they in arms; 

And for the testimou}^ of truth hast borne 

Universal reproach, far worse to bear 

Than violence; for this was all thy care 

To stand approved in sight of God, though 

worlds 
Judged thee perverse. The easier conquest now 
Remains thee, aided by this host of friends^ 
Back on thy foes more glorious to return 
Than scorned thou didst depart, and to subdue 40 
By force who reason for their law refuse, 
Right reason for their law, and for their King 
Messiah, who b}^ right of merit reigns. — 
Go, Michael, of celestial armies prince. 
And thou in m'ilitary prowess next, 
Gabriel, lead forth to battle these my sons 
Invincible; lead forth my armed Saints, 
By thousands and by millions, ranged for fight, 
Equal in number to that godless crew 
Rebellious; them with fire and hostile arms 50 
Fearless assault, and, to the brow of Heaven 
Pursuing, drive them out from God and bliss, 
Into their place of punishment, the gulf 
Of Tartarus, which read)^ opens wide 
His fiery chaos to receive their fall.' 

"So spake the sovran voice, and clouds began 



BOOK VI. 189 

To darken all the hill, and smoke to roll 

In dusky wreaths reluctant flames, the sign 

Of wrath awaked; nor with less dread the loud 

Ethereal trumpet from on high gan blow: 60 

At which command the Powers militant, 

That stood for Heaven, in mighty quadrate joined 

Of union irresistible, moved on 

In silence their bright legions, to the sound 

Of instrumental harmony, that breathed 

Heroic ardor to adventurous deeds, 

Under their godlike leaders, in the cause 

Of God and his Messiah. On they move 

Indissolubly firm; nor obvious hill, 

Nor straitening vale, nor wood, nor stream divides 

Their perfect ranks; for high above the ground 71 

Their march was, and the passive air up-bore 

Their nimble tread: as when the total kind 

Of birds, in orderly array on wing, 

Came, summoned over Eden, to receive 

Their names of thee. So over many a tract 

Of Heaven they marched, and many a province 

wide. 
Tenfold the length of this terrene. At last. 
Far in the horizon to the north, appeared 
From skirt to skirt a fiery region stretched 80 
In battailous aspect; and, nearer view, 
Bristled with upright beams innumerable 
Of rigid spears, and helmets thronged, and shields 



I90 PARADISE LOST. 

Various, with boastful argument portrayed, 
The banded Powers of Satan hasting on 
With furious expedition; for they weened 
That selfsame da}^ by fight or by surprise, 
To win the mount of God, and on his throne 
To set the envier of his state, the proud 
Aspirer; but their thoughts proved fond and 
vain " 90 

In the midway. Though strange to us it seemed 
At first that Angel should with Angel war, 
And in fierce hosting meet who wont to meet 
So oft in festivals of joy and love, 
Unanimous, as sons of one great Sire, 
Hymning the eternal Father; but the shout 
Of battle now began, and rushing sound 
Of onset ended soon each milder thought. 

''High in the midst, exalted as a God, 
The Apostate in his sun-bright chariot sat, loc 
Idol of majesty divine, enclosed 
With flaming Cherubim and golden shields; 
Then lighted from his gorgeous throne, for r\Qisi\ 
'Twixt host and host but narrow space was left, 
A dreadful interval, and front to front 
Presented stood, in terrible array 
Of hideous length. Before the cloudy van. 
On the rough edge of battle ere it joined, 
Satan, with vast and haughty strides advanced, 
Came towering, armed in adamant and gold, no 



BOOK VL 191 

Abdiel that sight endured not, where he stood 
Among the mightiest, bent on highest deeds, 
And thus his own undaunted heart explores: 

" 'O Heaven! that such resemblance of the 
Highest 
Should yet remain, where faith and realty 
Remain, not! Wherefore should not strength 

and might 
There fail where virtue fails, or weakest prove 
Where boldest, though to sight ilnconquerable ? 
His puissance, trusting in the Almighty's aid, 
I mean to tr}^ whose reason I have tried 120 

Unsound and false. Nor is it aught but just, 
That he who in debate of truth hath won 
Should win in arms, in both disputes alike 
Victor; though brutish that contest and foul, 
When reason hath to deal with force, 3^et so 
Most reason is that reason overcome, 

"So ]!>ondering, and from his armed peers 
Forth stepping opposite, half-way he met 
His daring foe, at this prevention more 
Incensed, and thus securely him defied: 130 

" 'Proud, art thou met? Thy hope was to 
have reached 
The highth of thy aspiring unopposed, 
The throne of God unguarded, and his side 
Abandoned at the terror of thy power 
Or potent tongue. Fool! not to think how vain 



192 PARADISE LOST. 

Against the Omnipotent to rise in arms; 

Who, out of smallest things, could without end 

Have raised incessant armies to defeat 

Thy folly; or with solitary hand, 

Reaching bey o and all limit, at one blow 14c 

Unaided could have finished thee, and whelmett 

Thj^ legions under darkness. But thou seest 

All are not of thy train; there be who faith 

Prefer, and piety to God, though then 

To thee not visible, when I alone 

Seemed in thy world erroneous to dissent 

From all; my sect thou seest. Now learn too latf 

How few sometimes may know, when thousands 

err. ' 
' 'Whom the grand foe, with scornful eye askance, 
Thus answered: — '111 for thee, but in wished 

hour 150 

Of my revenge, first sought for, thou returnest 
From flight, seditious Angel! to receive ' 
Thy merited reward, the first assay 
Of this right-hand provoked, since first that tongue, 
Inspired with contradiction, durst oppose 
A third part of the Gods, in synod met 
Their deities to assert, who, while they feel 
Vigor divine within them, can allow 
Omnipotence to none. But well thou comest 
Before thy fellows, ambitious- to win 160 

From me some plume, that thy success may shew 



BOOK VI. 193 

Destruction to the rest. This pause between — 
Unanswered lest thou boast — ^to let thee know : . . 
At first I thought that liberty and Heaven 
To heavenly souls had been all one; but now 
I see that most through sloth had rather serve, 
Ministering Spirits, trained up in feast and song. 
Such hast thou armed, the minstrelsy of Heaven, 
Servility with freedom to contend, 
As both their deeds compared this day shall prove.' 

"To whom in brief thus Abdiel stern replied: 171 
'Apostate! still thou errest, nor end wilt find 
Of erring, from the path of truth remote. 
Unjustly thou depravest it with the name 
Of servitude, to serve whom God ordains, 
Or Nature. God and Nature bid the same, 
When he who rules is worthiest, and excels 
Them whom he governs. This is servitude. 
To serve the unwise, or him Hvho hath rebelled 
Against his worthier, as thine now serve thee, 1 8(? 
Thyself not free, but to thyself enthralled ; 
Yet lewdly darest our ministering upbraid. 
Reign thou in Hell, thy kingdom ; let me serve 
In Heaven God ever blest, and his divine 
Behests obey, worthiest to be obeyed. 
Yet chains in Hell, not realms, expect; meanwhile 
From me returned, as erst thou saidst, from flighty. 
This greeting on thy impious crest receive.' 

' *So saying, a noble stroke he- lifted high, 



194 PARADISE LOST. 

Which hung not, but so swift with tempest 
fell 190 

On the proud crest of Satan, that no sight, 
Nor motion of swift thought, less could his shield, 
Such ruin intercept. Ten paces huge 
He back recoiled ; the tenth on bended knee 
His massy spear unstayed ; as if on earth 
Winds underground, or waters forcing way, 
Sidelong had pushed a mountain from his seat, 
Half-sunk with all his pines. Amazement seized 
The rebel Thrones, but greater rage, to see 
Thus foiled their mightiest ; ours joy filled, and 

shout, 
Presage of victor}^ and fierce desire 201 

Of battle ; whereat Michael bid sound 
The Archangel-trumpet. Through the vast of 

Heaven 
It sounded, and th^ faithful armies rung 
Hosanna to the Highest ; nor stood at gaze 
The adverse legions, nor less hideous joined 
The horrid shock. Now storming furj^ rose, 
And clamor such as heard in Heaven till now 
Was never ; arms on armor clashing bra3^ed 
Horrible discord, and the madding wheels 210 
Of brazen chariots raged ; dire was the noise 
Of conflict ; overhead the dismal hiss 
Of fierj' darts in flaming volleys flew. 
And flying vaulted either host with fire. 



BOOK VI. 195 

So under fiery cope together rushed 
Both battles main, with Ruinous assault 
And inextinguishable rage ; all Heaven 
Resounded, and, had Earth been then, all Earth 
Had to her centre shook. What wonder ! when 
Millions of fierce encountering Angels fought ?20 
On either side, the least of whom could wield 
These elements, and arm him with the force 
Of all their regions. How much more of power, 
Army against army, numberless to raise 
Dreadful conbustion warring, and disturb. 
Though not destroy, their happy native seat ! 
Had not the eternal King omnipotent, 
From his strong hold of Heaven, high over- ruled 
And limited their might ; though numbered such 
As each divided legion might have seemed 230 
A numerous host, in strength each armed hand 
A legion ; led in fight, yet leader seemed 
Each warrior single as in chief, expert 
When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway 
Of battle, open when, and when to close 
The ridges of grim war. No thought of flight, 
None of retreat ; no unbecoming deed 
That argued fear ; each on himself relied, / 
As only in his arm the 'moment lay 
Of victory. Deeds of eternal fame 240 

Were done, but infinite ; for wide was spread 
That war and various; sometimes on firm ground 



196 PARADISE L OST. 

A standing fight, then soaring on main wing 
Tormented all the air; all air seemed then 
Conflicting fire.^Long time in even scale 
The battle hung; till Satan, who that day 
Prodigious power had shewn, and met in arms 
No equal, ranging through the dire attack 
Of fighting Seraphim confused, at length 
Saw where the sword of Michael smote, and felled 
Squadrons at once; with huge twp-handed 

swa}^ 251 

Brandished aloft the horrid edge came down, 
Wide wasting: such destruction to withstand 
He hasted, and opposed the rocky orb 
Of tenfold adamant, his ample shield, 
A vast circumference. At his approach 
The great Archangel from his watlike toil 
Surceased, and glad, as hoping here to end 
Intestine war in Heaven, the arch-foe subdued 
Or captive dragged in chains, with hostile 

frown 2^0 

And visage all inflamed first thus began : 

'' 'Author of evil unknown tillth}^ revolt, 
Unnamed in Heaven, now plenteous, as thou seest 
These acts of hateful strife, hateful to all, 
Though heaviest by just 'measure on thyself 
And thy adherents; how hast thou disturbed 
Heaven's blessed peace, and into Nature brought 
Misery, uncreated till the crime 



BOOK VT. 197 

Of thy rebellion! How hast thou instilled 

Thy malice into thousands, once upright 270 

And faithful, now proved false! But think not 

here 
To trouble'holy rest. Heaven casts thee out 
From all her confines; Heaven, the seat of bliss, 
Brooks not the works of violence and war. 
Hence then, and evil go with thee along. 
Thy offspring, to the place of evil, Hell, 
Thou and thy wicked crew —there mingle broils — 
Kre this avenging sword begin thy doom. 
Or some more sudden vengeance, winged from God 
Precipitate thee with augmented pain.' 280 

"So spake the prince of Angels; to whom thus 
The Adversary: — 'Nor think thou with wind 
Of aery threats to awe whom yet with deeds 
Thou canst not. Hast thou turned the least of 

these 
To flight, or if to fall, but that they rise 
Unvanquished, easier to transact with me 
That thou shouldst hope, imperious, and with 

threats 
To chase me hence? Krr not, that so shall end 
The strife which thoucallest evil, but we style 
The strife of glory; which we mean to win, 290 
Or turn this Heaven itself into the Hell 
Thou fablest; here however to dwell free, 
If not to reign. Meanwhile thy utmost force, 



198 PARADISE LOST. 

And join liini named Almighty to thy aid, 
I fly not, but have sought thee far and nigh.' 

' 'They ended parle, and both addressed for fight 
Unspeakable; for who, though with the tongue 
Of Angels, can relate, or to what things 
lyiken on earth conspicuous, that may lift 
Human imagination to such highth 300 

Of go'dlike power? for likest Gods the}^ seemed, 
Stood the}^ or moved, in stature, motion, arms, 
Fit to decide the empire of great Heaven. 
Now waved their fiery swords, and in the air 
Made horrid circles; two broad suns their shields 
Blazed opposite, while Expectation stood 
In horror. From each hand with speed retired, 
Where erst was thickest fight, the angelic throng, 
And left large field, unsafe within the wind 
Of such commotion; such as, to set forth 310 
Great things by small, if. Nature's concord broke, 
Among the constellations war were sprung. 
Two planets, rushing from aspect malign 
Of fiercest opposition, in mid sky 
Should combat, and their jarring spheres confound. 
Together both, with next to almighty arm 
Uplifted imminent, one stroke they aimed 
That might determine, and not need repeat, 
As not of power at once; nor odds appeared 
In might or swift prevention. But the sword 320 
Of Michael, from the armory of God, 



BOOK VI. ' 199 

Was given him tempered so, that neither keen 
Nor solid might resist that edge : it met 
The sword of ^atan, with steep force to smite 
Descending, and in half cut sheer; nor stayed, 
But, with steep wheel reverse, deep entering 

shared 
All his right side; then Satan first knew pain, 
And writhed him to and fro convolved; so sore 
The griding sword with discontinuous wound 
Passed through him. But the ethereal sub- 
stance closed, 330 
Not long divisible; and from the gash 
A stream of nectarous humor issuing flowed 
Sanguine, such as celestial Spirits may bleed, 
And all his armor stained, erewhile so bright. 
Forthwith on all sides to his aid was run 
By Angels many and strong, who interposed 
Defense, wdiile others bore him on their shields 
Back to his chariot, where it stood retired 
From off the files of war; there they him laid 
Gnashing for anguish, and despite, and 
shame, 340 
To find himself not matchless, and his pride 
Humbled by such rebuke, so far beneath 
His confidence to equal God in power. 
Yet soon he healed; for Spirits that live throughout 
Vital in every part, not as frail man 
In Entrails, heart or head, liver or reins, 



200 PARADISE LOST. 

Cannot but b}^ annihilating die; 

Nor in their liquid texture mortal wound 

Receive, no more than can the fluid air. 

All heart thej^ live, all head, all eye, all ear, 350 

All intellect, all sense, and as they please, 

They limb themselves, and color, shape, or size 

Assume, as likes them best, condense or rare. 

"Meanwhile in other parts like deeds deserved 
Memorial, where the might of Gabiiekfought, 
And with fierce ensigns pierced the deep array 
Of Moloch, furious king, who him defied, 
And at his chariot-wheels to drag him bound 
Threatened, nor from the HolyxOne of Heaven 
Refrained his tongue blasphemous; but anon, 360 
Down cloven to the waist, with shattered arms 
And uncouth pain fled bellowing. On each wing 
Uriel and Raphael his vaunting foe. 
Though huge and in a rock of diamond armed. 
Vanquished Adramelech and Asmadai, 
Two potent Thrones, that to be less than Gods 
Disdained; but meaner thoughts learned in their 

flight. 
Mangled with ghastl}^ wounds though plate and 

mail. 
Nor stood unmindful Abdiel to annoy 
The athiest crew, but, with redoubled blow, 370 
Ariel, and Arioch, and the violence 
Of Ramiel, scorched and blasted, overthrew. 



BOOK VI. 20I 

I might relate of thousands, and their names 
Eternize here on Earth; but those elect 
Angels, contented with their fame in Heaven, 
Seek not the praise of men: the other sort, 
In might though wondrous and in acts of war. 
Nor of renown less eager, yet by dooni 
Cancelled from Heaven and sacred memory, 
Nameless in dark oblivion let them dwell ; 380 
For strength, from truth divided and from just, 
lUaudable, nought merits but dispraise 
And ignominy, yet to glory aspires. 
Vainglorious, and through infamy seeks fame : 
Therefore eternal silence be their doom. 

"And now, their mightiest quelled, the battle 
swerved, 
With many an inroad gored ; deformed rout 
Entered, and foul disorder ; ^11 the ground 
With shivered armor strown, and on a heap 
Chariot and charioteer lay overturned, 390 

And fiery foaming steeds ; what stood recoiled, 
O'er-wearied, through 'the faint Satanic host, 
Defensive scarce, or with pale fear surprised, 
Then first with fear surprised and sense of pain. 
Fled ignominous, to such evil brought 
By sin of disobedience, till that hour 
Not liable to fear, or flight, or pain. 
Far otherwise the inviolable Saints, 
In cubic phalanx firm, advanced entire, 



B02 PARADISE LOST. 

Invulnerable, impenetrabl}^ armed ; 400 

Such high advantages their innocence 
Gave them above their foes ; not to have sinned, 
Not to have disobeyed ; in fight they stood 
Unwearied, unobnoxious to be pained 
By wound, though from their place by violence 
moved. 

'jNow Night her coursebegan, and, over Heaven 
Inducing darkness, grateful truce imposed, 
And silence on the odious din of war. 
Under her cloud}^ covert both retired, 
Victor and vanquished. On the fough ten field 410 
Michael and his Angels prevalent . 
Encamping placed in guard their watches round, 
Cherubic waving fires ; on the other part, 
Satan with his rebellious disappeared, \ 
Far in the dark dislodged ; and; void of rest, 
His potentates to council called by night, 
And in the midst thus undismaj^ed began : 

' ' 'O now in danger tried, now known in arms 
Not to be overpowered, companions dear, 
Found worthy not of liberty alone, 420 

Too mean pretense, but what we more affect 
Honor, dominion, glory, and renovv^n. 
Who have sustained one da}- in doubtful fight 
■ — And if one day, why not eternal days ? — 
What Heaven's Lord had powerfullest to send 
Against us from about his throne, and judged 



BOOK VI. 203 

Sufficient to subdue us to his will, 
But proves not so ; then fallible, it seems, 
Of future we may deem him, though till now 
Omniscient thought. True is, less firmly 
armed, 43c 

Some disadvantage we endured and pain, 
Tillnownot known,but known, as soon contemned; 
Since now we find this our empyreal form 
Incapable of mortal injury, 

Imperishable, and, though pierced with wound. 
Soon closing, and by native vigor healed. 
Of evil then so small as easy think 
The remedy. Perhaps more valid arms, 
Weapons more violent, when next we meet. 
May serve to better us and worse our foes, 440 
Or equal what between us made the odds, 
In nature none. If other hidden cause 
lycft them superior, while we can preserve 
Unhurt our minds and understanding sound, 
Due search and consultation will disclose.' 

"He sat; and in the assembly next up-stood 
Nisroch, of Principalities the prime. 
As one he stood escaped from cruel fight. 
Sore toiled, his riven arms to havoc hewn. 
And cloudy in aspect thus answering spake: 450 

*' 'Deliverer from new Lords, leader to free 
Enjoyment of our right as Gods; j^et hard 
For Gods, and too unequal work, we find 



204 PARADISE LOST. 

Against unequal arms to fight in pain, 
Against rnpained, impassive; from which evil 
Ruin must needs ensue. For what avails 
Valor or strength, though matchless, quelled 

wdth pain 
Which all subdues, and makes remiss the hands 
Of mightiest? Sense of pleasure we may well 
Spare out of life perhaps, and not repine, 460 
But live content, w^hich is the calmest life; 
But pain is perfect misery, the worst 
Of evils, and excessive overturns 
All patience. He who therefore can invent 
With what more forcible we may offend 
Our yet unwounded enemies, or arm 
Ourselves with like defence, to me deserves 
No less than for deliverance what we owe.' 

''Whereto with look composed Satan replied: 
'Not uninvented that, which thou aright 470 
Believest so main to our success, I bring.— 
Which of us who beholds the bright surface 
Of this ethereous mould w^hereon we stand, 
This continent of spacious Heaven, adorned 
With plant, fruit, flower ambrosial, gems and 

gold; 
Whose eye so superficially surveys 
These things as not to mind from whence they 

grow, 
Deep underground, materials dark and crude 



BOOK VL 205 

Of spiritous and fiery spume, till, touched 
With Heaven's ray and tempered, they shoot 
forth 480 

So beauteous, opening to the ambient light ? 
These in their dark nativity the deep 
Shall yield us, pregnant with infernal flame; 
Which into hallow engines long and round 
Thick rammed, at the other bore with touch of 

fire 
Dilated and infuriate, shall send forth 
From far with thundering noise among our foes 
Such implements of mischief, as shall dash 
To pieces; and o'er whelm whatever stands 
Adverse, thfet they shall fear we have dis- 
armed 490 : 
The Thunderer of his only dreaded bold. 
Nor long shall be our labor; yet ere dawn, 
Efiect shall end our wish. Meanwhile revive; 
Abandon fear; to strength and counsel joined 
Think nothing hard, much less to be despaired.' 

"He ended, and his words their drooping cheer 
Enlightened, and their languished hope revived. 
The invention all admired, and each how he 
To be the inventor missed; so easy it seemed 
Once found, which yet unfound most would have 
thought 500 

Impossible. Yet haply of thy race. 
In future days, if malice should abound, ^ 



2o6 PARADISE LOST. 

Some one intent on mischief, or inspired 
With devilish machination, might devise 
lyike instrument to plague the sons of men* 
For sin, on war and mutual slaughter bent. 

' ' Forthwith from council to the work they flew; 
T^one arguing stood; innumerable hands 
Were ready; in a moment up they turned 
W/'ith the celestial soil, and saw beneath 510 

'The originals of Nature in their crude 
Conception; sulphurous and nitrous foam 
They found, the mingled, and, with .subtle art,. 
Concocted and adusted, they reduced 
To blackest grain, and into store conveyed. 
Part hidden veins digged up — nor hath this Earth: 
Entrails unlike — of mineral and stone, 
Whereof to found their engines and their balls 
Of missive ruin; part incefitive reed 
Provide, pernicious with one touch to fire. 52a 
So all ere day-spring, under conscious night. 
Secret they finished, and in order set, 
With silent circumspection unespied. 

"Now when fair Morn orient in Heaven appeared 
Up-rose the victor Angels, and to arms 
The matin-trumpet sung; in arms they stood 
Of golden panoply, refulgent host, 
Soon banded; others from the dawning hills 
lyooked round, and scouts each coast light-armed 
/ scour, 



BOOK VI. 207 

Each quarter, to descry the distant foe, 530 

Where lodged, or whither fled, or if for fight, 
In motion or in halt Him soon they met 
Under spread ensigns movingnigh, in slow 
But firm battalion. Back with speediest sail 
Zophiell, of Cherubim the swiftest wing, 
Came flying, and in mid-air aloud thus cried : 

" 'Arm, warriors.arm for fight! The foe at hand, 
^ Whom fled we thought, will save us long pursuit 
"Thisdaj^; fear not his flight! so thick a cloud 
He comes, and settled in his face I see 540 

Sad resolution and secure. Let each 
His adamantine coat gird well, and each 
Fit well his helm, gripe fast his orbed shield, 
Borne even or high; for this day will pour down, 
If I conjecture aught, no drizzling shower. 
But rattling storm of arrows barbed with fire.' 

"So warned he them, aware themselves, and 
soon 
lu order, quit of all impediment; 
Instant without disturb they took alarm. 
And onward moved embattled: when behold, 550 
Not distant far, with heavy pace the foe 
Approaching gross and huge, in hollow cube 
Training his devilish enginery, impaled 
On every side with shadowing squadrons deep, 
To hide the fraud. At interview both stood 
Awhile; bnt suddenly at head appeared 



2o8 PARADISE LOST. 

Satan, and thus was heard commanding loud : 

' ' 'Vanguard, to right and left! the front unfold! 
That ail may see who hate us how we seek 
Peace and composure, and with open breast 560 
Stand ready to receive them, if they like 
Our overture, and turn not back perverse : 
But that I doubt. However witness. Heaven! 
Heaven witness thou anon, while we discharge 
Freely our part. Ye who appointed stand, 
Do as 5^ou have in charge, and briefly touch 
What we propound, and loud that all may hear.' 

"So scoffing in ambiguous words he scarce 
Had ended, when to right and left the front 
Divided, and to either flank retired; 570 

Which to our eyes discovered, new and strange, 
A triple mounted row of pillars^laid 
On wheels — for like to pillars most they seemed, 
Or hollowed bodies made of oak or fir, 
With branches lopt, in wood or mountain felled — 
Brass, iron, stony mould, had not their mouths 
With hideous orifice gaped on us wide, ■ 
Portending hollow truce. At each behind 
A Seraph stood, and in his hand a reed 
Stood waving, tipped with fire; while we, 

suspense. 
Collected stood within our thoughts amused; 581 
Not long, for sudden all at once their reeds 
Put forth, and to a narrow vent applied 



BOOK VI. 209 

With nicest touch. Immediate in a flame 

But soon obscured with smoke, all Heaven 

appeared, 
From those deep-throated engines belched, whose 

roar 
Embowelled with outrageous noise the air. 
And all her entrails tore, disgorging foul 
Their devilish glut, chained thunderbolts and hail 
Of iron globes; w^iich, on the victor host 590 
Levelled, with such impetuous fur)^ smote 
That whom they hit none on their feet might 

stand. 
Though standing else as rocks, but down they fell 
B)^ thousands. Angel on Archangel rolled; 
The sooner for their arms; unarmed, they might 
Have easil}^ as Spirits evaded swift, 
Ey quick contraction or remove; but no^ 
Foul dissipation followed and forced rout; 
.Nor served it to relax their serried files. 
What shgtlld they do ? If on they rushed, repulse 
Repeated, and-indecent overthrow 601 

Doubled, would render them yet more despised, 
And to their foes a laughter; for in view 
Stood ranked of Seraphim another row, 
In posture to displode their second tire 
Of thunder: back defeated to return 
They worse abhorred. Satan beheld their plight, 
And to his mates thus in derision called: 



2IO PARADISE LOST, 

" 'O friends, why come not on these victors 

proud ? 
Erewhile they fierce were coming; and when we, 
To entertain them fair with open front 6ii 

And breast — what could we more ? — propounded 

terms 
Of composition, straight they changed their 

minds. 
Flew off, and into strange vagaries fell, 
As they would dance. Yet for a dance they seemed 
Somewhat extravagant and wild; perhaps 
For joy of offered peace. But I suppose 
If our proposals once again were heard, 
We should compel them to a quick result.' 

' *To whom thus Belial, in like gamesome mood: 
'Leader, the terms we sent were terms of weight, 
Of hard contents, and full of force, urged 

home, 622 

Such as we might perceive amused them all. 
And stumbled many. Who receives ttiem right 
Had need from head to foot well understand; 
Not understood, this gift they have besides, 
They shew us when our foes walk not upright. * 
"So they among themselves in pleasant vein 
Stood scoflSng, highthened in their thoughts 

beyond 
All doubt of victory; Eternal Might 630 

To match with their inventions they presumed 



BOOK VI, 211 

So easy, and of his thunder made a scorn, 
And all his host derided, while they stood 
Awhile in trouble. But they stood not long; 
Rage prompted them at length, and found them 

arms 
Against such hellish mischief fit to oppose. 
Forthwith — behold the excellence, the power, 
Which God hath in his mighty Angels placed! — 
Their arms away they threw, and to the hills 
• — For Earth hath this variety from Heaven 640 
Of pleasure situate in hill and dale — 
Light as the lightning-glimpse, they ran, they flew;' 
From their foundations loosening to and fro 
They plucked the seated hills, with all their load, 
Rocks, waters, woods, and by their shaggy tops 
Uplifting bore them in their hands. Amaze, 
Be sure, and terror seized the rebel host, 
When coming toward them so dread they saw 
The bottom of the mountains upward turned; 
Till on those cursed engines' triple row 650 

They saw them whelmed,and all their confidence 
Under the weight of mountains buried deep; 
Themselves invaded next, and on their heads 
Main promontories flung, which in the air 
Came shadowing, and oppressed whole legions 

armed. 
Their armor helped the'*': harm, crushed-in and 

biuised 



212 ' PARADISE LOST. 

Into their substance pent, which wrought them pain 

Implacable, and many a dolorous groan, 

Long struggling underneath, ere they could wind 

Out of such prison; though Spirits of purest light, 

Purest at first, now gross by sinning grown. 66 1 

The rest, in imitation, to like arms 

Betook them, and the neighboring hills up-tore; 

So hills amid the air encountered hills, 

Hurled to and fro with jaculation dire, 

That underground the}- fought in dismal shade; 

Infernal noise; war seemed a civil game 

To this uproar; horrid confusion heaped 

Upon confusion rose. And now all Heaven 

Had gone to wrack, with ruin overspread, 670 

Had not the Almighty Father, where he sits 

Shrined in his sanctuary of Heaven secure, 

Consulting on the sum of things, foreseen 

This tumult, and permitted all, advised, 

That his great purpose he might so fulfil, 

To honor his anointed Son avenged 

Upon his enemies, and to declare 

All power on him transferred. Whence to his Son, 

The assessor of his throne, he thus began: 

'' 'Effulgence of my glory. Son beloved, 680 
Son in whose face invisible is beheld 
Visibly what by Deity I am, 
And in whose hand what by decree I do, 
Second Omnipotence! two days are past, 



BOOK VI . 213 

Two days, as we compute the da3'S of Heaven, 
Since Michael and Jiis powers went forth to tame 
These disobedient. Sore hath been their fight, 
As likeliest was when two such foes met armed: 
For to themselves I left them; and, thou knowest, 
Kqual in their creation they were formed, 690 
Save what sin hath impaired, which yet hath 

wrought 
Insensibly, for I suspeitd their doom; 
Whence in perpetual fight they needs must last 
Endless, and no solution will be found. 
War wearied hath performed what War can do, 
And to disordered Rage let loose the reins, 
With mountains as with weapons armed, which 

makes 
Wild work in Heaven, and dangerous to the main. 
Two days are therefore past, the third is thine; 
For thee I have ordained it, and thus far 700 
Have suffered, that the glory may be thine 
Of ending this great war, since none but thou 
Can end it. Into thee such virtue and grace 
Immense I have transfused, that all may know 
In Heaven and Hell thy power above compare; 
And this perverse commotion governed thus, 
To manifest thee worthiest to be Heir 
Of all things, to be Heir and to be King 
By sacred unction, thy deserved right. 



214 PARADISE LOST. 

Go then, thou Mightiest, in thy Father's 
might, , 710 

Ascend my chariot, guide the rapid wheels 
That shake Heaven's basis, bring forth all my war, 
My bow and thunder, my almighty arms 
Gird on, and sword upon thy puissant thigh ; 
Pursue these sons of darkness, drive them out 
From all Heaven's bounds into the upper Deep : 
There let them learn, as likes them, to despise 
God and Messiah his anointed King.' 

"He said, and on his Son with rays direct 
Shone full ; he all his Father full expressed 720 
Ineffably into his face received ; 
And thus the filial Godhead answering spake ; 

** 'O Father, O Supreme of heavenly Thrones, 
First, Highest, Holiest, Best, thou always seekest 
To glorify thy Son, I always thee. 
As is most just. This I my glory account, 
My exaltation, and my whole delight, 
That thou in me well pleased declarest thy will 
Fulfilled, which to fulfil is all my bliss. 
Sceptre and power, thy giving, I assume, 730 
And gladlier shall resign when in the end 
Thou shalt be all in all, and I in thee 
For ever, and in me all whom thou lovest : 
But whom thou hatest I hate, and can put on 
Thy terrors, as I put thy mildness on, 
Image of thee in all things ; and shall soon, 



BOOK VI. 215 

Armed with thy might, rid Heaven of these rebelled, 
To their prepared ill mansion driven down, 
To chains of darkness, and the undying worm, 
That from thy just obedience could revolt, 740 
Whom to obey is happiness entire. 
Then shall thy Saints unmixed, and from the 

impure 
Far separate, circling thy holy mount 
Unfeigned Hallelujahs to thee sing, 
Hymns of high praise, and I among them chief * 

"So said he, o'er his sceptre bowing, rose 
From the right hand of glory where he sat ; 
And the third sacred morn began to shine, 
Dawning through Heaven. Forth rushed with 

whirlwind-sound 
The chariot of Paternal Deity, 750 

Flashing thick flames, wheel within wheel, 

undrawn, y 
Itself instinct with spirit, but convoyed 
By four cherubic shapes. Four faces each 
Had wonderous ; as with stars their bodies all 
And wings were set with e5^es, with eyes the wheels 
Of beryl, ^nd careering fires between ; 
Over their heads 5 crystal firmament, 
Whereon a sapphire throne, inlaid with pure 
Amber and colors of the showery arch. 
He in celestial panopl}^ all armed 760 

Of radiant Urim, work divinely wrought, 



2i6 PARADISE LOST. 

Ascended ; at his right hand Victory 
Sat eagle-winged ; beside him hung his bow 
And quiver, with thiee-bolted thunder stored. 
And from about him fierce effusion rolled 
Of smoke, and bickering flame, and sparkles dire. 
Attended with ten thousand thousand Saints, 
He onward came ; far off his coming shone ; 
And twenty thousand — I their number heard — 
Chariots of God, half on each hand, were seen. 77c 
He on the wings of Cherub rode sublime, 
On the crystalline sky, in sapphire throned, 
Illustrious far and wide, but by his own 
First seen ; then unexpected joy surpris.ed, 
When the great ensign of Messiah blazed. 
Aloft by Angels borne, his sign in Heaven; 
Under whose conduct Micnael soon reduced 
His army, circumfused on either wing. 
Under their Head embodied all in one. • 
Before him Power divine his way prepared; 780 
At his command the uprooted hills retired. 
Each to his place; they heard his voice and went 
Obsequious; Heaven his wonted face renewed, 
And with fresh flowerets hill and valley smiled. 
This saw his hapless foes, but stood obdured. 
And to rebellious fight rallied their Powers, 
Insensate, hope conceiving from despair; 
In heavenly Spirits could such perverseness dwell? 
But to convince the proud what signs avail, 



BOOK I'l. 217 

Or wonders move the obdurate to relent ? 790 
They, hardened more by what might most reclaim, 
Grieving to see his glory, at the sight 
Took env}^; and, aspiring to his highth, 
Stood re-imbattled fierce, by force or fraud 
Weening to prosper, and at length prevail 
Against God and Messiah, or to fall 
In universal ruin last; and now 
To final battle dre^, disdaining flight, 
Or faint retreat; when the great Son of God 
To all his host on either hand thus spake : 800 
" 'Stand still in bright array, ye Saints; here 
stand, 
Ye Angels armed; this day from battle rest. 
Faithful hath been your warfare, and of God 
Accepted, fearless in his righteous cause; 
And as ye have received, so have ye done, 
Invincibly; but of this cursed crew 
The punishment to other hand belongs; 
Vengeance is his, or whose he sole appoints. 
Number to this day's w^ork is not ordained, 
Nor multitude; stand only, and behold 810 

God's indignation on these godless poured 
By me; not j^ou, but me, they have despised. 
Yet envied; against me is all their rage, 
Because the Father, to whom, in Heaven supreme. 
Kingdom, and power, and glory appertains. 
Hath honored me, accordin.2r to his will. 



2i8 PARADISE LOST. 

Therefore to me their doom he hath assigned; 
That they may have their wish, to try with me 
In battle which the stronger proves; they all, 
Or I alone against them; since by strength 820 
They measure all, of other excellence 
Not emulous, nor care who them excels; 
Nor other strife with them do I vouchsafe.' 

*'So spake the Son, and into terror changed 
His countenance, too severe to be beheld. 
And full of wrath bent on his enemies. 
At once the Four spread out their starry wings, 
With dreadful shade contiguous, and the orbs 
Of his fierce chariot rolled, as with the sound 
Of torrent floods, or of a numerous host. 830 
He on. his impious foes right onward drove. 
Gloomy as night; under his burning Vv^heels 
The steadfast Empyrean shook throughout. 
All but the throne itself of God. Full soon 
Among them he arrived, in his right-hand 
Grasping ten thousand thunders, which he sent 
Before him, such as in their souls infixed 
Plagues; they, astonished, all resistance lost, 
All courage; down their idle weapons cropt; 
O'er shields, and helms, and helmed heads he rode 
O'er Thrones and mighty Seraphim pros- 
trate, 841 
That wished the mountains now might be again 
Thrown on tliem, as a shelter from his ire. 



BOOK VI. 219 

Nor less on cither side tempestuous fell 
His arrows, from the foiirfold-visaged Four 
Distinct with e5'es, and from the living wheels 
Distinct alike with multitude of eyes; 
One spirit in them ruled, and ever}- e^^e 
.Glared lightning, and shot forth pernicious fire 
Among the accursed, that withered all their 

strength 
And of their wonted vigor left them drained, 851 
Exhausted, spiritless, afflicted, fallen. 
Yet half his strength he put not forth, but checked 
His thunder in mid-voile)^; for he meant 
Not to destroy, but root them out of Heaven. 
The overthrown he raised, and, as a herd 
Of goats or timorous flock, together thronged, 
Drove them before him thunderstruck, pursued 
With terrors and with furies, to the bounds 
And mystal wall of Heaven, which, opening wide, 
Rolled inward, and a spacious gap disclosed 86r 
Into the wasteful Deep. The monstrous sight 
Struck them with horror backward, but far worse 
Urged them behind; headlong themselves thej^ 

threw 
Down from, the verge of Heaven; eternal wrath 
Burnt after them to the bottomless pit. 

' 'Hell heard the unsufferable noise. Hell saw 
Heaven ruining from Heaven, and would have fled 
Affrighted; but strict Fate had cast too deep 



220 PARADISE LOST. 

Her dark foundations, and too fast had bound. 870 
Nine da3^s they fell; confounded Chaos roared, 
And felt tenfold confusion in their fall 
Through his wild anarchy, so huge a rout 
Encumbered him with ruin; Hell at last 
Yawning received them whole, and on them 

closed; 
Hell, their fit habitation, fraught with fke 
Unquenchable, the house of woe and pain. 
Disburdened Heaven rejoiced, and soon repaired 
Her mural breach, returning whence it rolled. 
Sole victor, from the expulsion of his foes, 880 
Messiah his triumphal chariot turned. 
To meet him all his Saints, who silent stood 
Eye-witnesses of his almighty acts, 
With jubilee advanced;.'- and as they went, 
Shaded with branching palm, each Order bright, 
Sung triumph, and him sung victorious King, 
Son, Heir, and Eord, to him dominion given. 
Worthiest to reign. He celebrated rode. 
Triumphant through mid-Heaven, into the courts 
And temple of his mighty Father throned 890 

On high; who into glory him received, 
Where now he sits, at the right-hand of bliss. 
"Thus, measuring things in Heaven by things 
on Earth, 
At thy request, and that thou m.ayest beware 
By what is past, to thee I have revealed 



x>OOK I J. 221 

What might have else to human race been hid; 
The discord which befell, and war in Heaven 
Among the angelic Powers, and the deep fall 
Of those too high aspiring, who rebelled 
With Satan; Jie who envies now thy state, 900 
Who now is plotting how he may seduce 
Thee also from obedience, that, with him 
Bereaved of happiness, thou maj^est partake 
His punishment, eternal misery; 
W^hich would be all his solace and revenge, 
As a despite done against the Most High, 
Thee once to gain companion of his woe. 
But listen not to his temptations; warn 
Thy weaker; let it profit thee to have heard, 
By terrible example, the reward 910 

Of disobedience. Firm they might have stood, 
Yet fell; remember, and fear to transgress." 



PARADISE LOST. 

BOOK Vil. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

Raphael, at the request of Adam, relaies how and 
wherefore this World was first created; that God, 
after the expelliDg" of Satan and his Angels out of 
Heaven, declared his pleasure to create another world, 
anvi other creatures to dwell therein; sends his Son 
with glory, and attendance of Angels, to perform the 
work of Creation in six days: the Angels celebrate 
with hymns the performance thereof, and his reas- 
cention into Heaven. 

Descend from Heaven, Urania — by that name 

if rightly thou art called — whose voice divine 

Following, above the Olj'^mpian hill I soar, 

Above the flight of Pegasean wing! 

■The meaning, not the name, I call; for thou 

Nor of the Muses nine, nor on the top 

Of old Olympus dwellest; but, heavenly-born, 

Before the hills appeared or fountain flowed, 

Thou with eternal Wisdom didst converse, 

Wisdom thy sister, and wdth her didst play lo 

In presence of the Almighty Father, pleased 



BOOK VII. 22: 

With thy celestial song. Up-led by thee 
Into the Heaven-of heavens I have presumed, 
An earthly guest, and drawn emp37real air, 
Thy tempering. With like safety guided down 
Return me to my native element; 
Lest, from this flying steed unreined — as once 
Bellerophon, though from a lower clime — 
Dismounted, on the Aleian field I fall, 
Erroneous there to wander and forlorn. — 20 

Half yet remains unsung, but, narrower bound. 
Within the visible diurnal sphere. 
Standing on earth, not rapt above the pole, 
More safe I sing with mortal voice, unchanged 
To hoarse or mute, though fallen on evil days, • 
On evil days though fallen, and evil tongues. 
In darkness, and with dangers compassed round, 
And solitude; yet not alone, while thou * 
Visitest my slumbers nightly, or when morn 
Purples the east. Still govern thou my song, 30 
Urania, and fit audience find, though few; 
But drive far off the barbarous dissonance 
Of Bacchus and his revellers, the race 
Of that wild rout that tore the Thracian bard 
In Rhodope, where woods and rocks had ears 
To rapture, till the savage clamor drowned 
Both harp and voice; nor could the Muse defend 
Her son. So fail not thou who thee implores; 
For thou art heavenly, she an empty dream. 



224 PARADISE LOST. 

Sa3% Goddess, what ensued when Raphael, 40 
The affable Archangel, had forewarned 
Adam, by dire example, to beware 
Apostasy, b}^ what befell in Heaven 
To those apostates; lest the like befall 
In Paradise to Adam or his race, 
Charged not to touch the interdicted tree, 
If they transgress, and slight that sole command, 
So easily obej^ed, amid the choice 
Of all tastes else to please their appetite, 
Though wandering. He, with his consorted 
Eve, 50 

The story heard attentive, and was filled 
With admiration and deep muse, to hear 
Of things so high and vStrange, things to their 

1:hought 
So unimaginable as hate in Heaven, 
And war so near the peace of God in bliss, 
With such confusion; but the evil, soon 
Driven back, redounded as a flood on those 
From whom it sprung, impossible to mix 
WitU blessedness. Whence Adam soon repealed 
The doubts that in his liea'rt arose; and now 60 
Led on, yet sinless, with desire to know 
What nearer might concern him, how this World 
Of heaven and earth conspicuous first began; 
When, and whereof created; for what cause; 
What within Kden, or without, was done 



BOOK \'IL 225 

Before his memory — as one, whose drought 
Yet scarce allayed, still eyes the current stream^ 
Whose liquid murmur heard new thirst excites — 
Proceeded thus to ask his heavenly guest: 

"Great things, and full of wonder in our 
ears, 70 

Far differing from this World, thou hast revealed, 
Divine interpreter! hy favor sent 
Down from the Empyrean, to forewarn 
Us timely of what might else have been our loss, 
Unknown, which human knowledge could not 

reach. 
For which to the infinitely Good we owe 
Immortal thanks, and his admonishment 
Receive with solemn purpose, to observe 
Immutably his sovran will, the end 
Of what we are. But since thou hast vouch- 
safed ' 80 
Gentl}^, for our instruction, to impart 
Things above earthly thought, which yet 

concerned 
Our knowing, as to highest Wisdom seemed. 
Deign to descend now lower, and relate, 
What may no less perhaps avail us known, 
How first began this heaven, which we behold 
Distant so high, witli moving fires adorned 
Innumerable; and this which yields or fills 
All space, the ambient air, wide interfust-w. 



226 PARADISE LOST. 

Embracing round this florid ea. tli; what cause 90 

Moved the Creator, in his holy re.;t 

Through all eternit}- , so late to build 

In Chaos; and the work begun how soon 

Absolved: if unforbid thou mayest unfold 

What we not to explore the .secrets ask 

Of his eternal empire, but the more 

To magnify his works, the more we know. 

And the great light of day yet wants to run 

Much of his race though steep. Suspense in 

heaven, 
Held by thy voice, thy potent voice, he hears, 100 
And longer will delay to hear thee tell 
His generation, and the rising birth 
Of Nature from the unapparent Deep: 
Or if the star of evening and the moon 
Haste to thj'- audience. Night with her will bring 
Silence, and Sleep listening to thee will watch; 
Or we can bid his absence, till thy song 
End, and dismiss thee ere the morning shine. " 

Thus Adam his illustrious guest besought; 
And thus the godlike Angel answered mild: no 
"This also thy request, with caution asked. 
Obtain; though to recount almighty works 
What words or tongue of Seraph can suffice. 
Or heart of man suffice to comprehend? 
Yet what thou canst attain, which best may serve 
To glorify the Maker, and infer 



BOOK VII. 227 

Thee also happier, shall not be withheld 
Thy hearing; such commission from above 
I have received, to answer thy desire 
Of knowledge within bounds; beyond abstain 120 
To ask, nor let thine own inventions hope 
Things not revealed, which the invisible King, 
Onl}^ omniscient, hath suppressed in night, 
To none communicable in Earth or Heaven; 
Enough is left besides to search and know. 
But knowledge is as food, 'and needs no less 
Her temperance over appetite, to know 
In measure what the mind may well contain; 
Oppresses else with surfeit, and soon turns 
Wisdom to folly, as nourishment to wind. 130 

"Know then, that after lyucifer from Heaven 
— So call him, brighter once amidst the host 
Of Angels, than that star the stars among — '■ 
Fell with his flaming legions through the Deep 
Into his place, and the great Son returned 
Victorious with his Saints, the omnipotent, 
Eternal Father from his throne beheld 
Their multitude, and to his Son thus spake: 

" 'At least our envious foe hath failed, who 
thought 
All like himself rebellious, by whose aid 140 

This inaccessible high strength, the seat 
Of Deity supreme, us dispossessed. 
He trusted to have seized, and into fraud 



j-ARADiSE L'j'^-1. 

Drew many, whom their place knows here no more. 
Yet far the greater part have kept, I vSee, 
Their station; Heaven yet populous retains 
Number sufficient to possess her realms. 
Though wide, and this high temple to frequent 
With ministeries due, and solemn rites. 
But, lest his heart exalt him in the harm 150 
Already done, to have dispeopled Heaven, 
M3' damage fondly deemed, I can repair 
That detriment, if such it be to lose 
Self-lost, and in a moment will create 
x\nother world, out of one man a race 
Of men innumerable, there to dwell. 
Not here; till, by degrees of merit raised, 
The}^ open to themselves at length the way 
Up hither, under long obedience tried, 
And Earth be changed to Heaven, and Heaven 
to Earth, 160 

One kingdom, joy and union w'ithout end. 
Meanwhile inhabit lax, ye Powers of Heaven; 
And thou my Word, begotten Son, by thee 
This I perform; speak thou, and be it done! 
My overshadowing Spirit and might with thee 
I send along: ride forth, aud bid the Deep 
Within appointed bounds be heaven and earth — 
Boundless the Deep, because I am to fill 
Infinitude; nor vacuous the space. 
Though I, uncircumscribed, m3'self retire, 170 



BOOK VII. 229 

And put not forth my goodness, which is free 
To act or not; necessity and chance 
Approach not me, and what I will is fate.' 

' 'So spake the Almighty, and to what he spake 
His Word, the Filial Godhead, gave effect. 
Immediate are the acts of God, more swift 
Than time or motion, but to human ears 
Cannot without process of speech be told. 
So told as earthly notion can receive. 
Great triumph and rejoicing was in Heaven, 180 
When such was heard declared the Almighty' swill; 
Glory they sung to the Most High, goodwill 
To future men, and in their dwellings peace ; 
Glory to Him whose just avenging ire 
Had driven out the ungodly from his sight 
And the hahitations of the just ; to Him 
Glory and praise, whose wisdom had ordained 
Good out of evil to create, instead 
Of Spirits malign a better race to bring 
Into their vacant room, and thence diffuse 190 
His good to worlds and ages infinite. 

* 'So sang the Hierarchies. Meanwhile the Son 
On his great expedition now appeared. 
Girt with omnipotence, with radiance crowned 
Of majesty divine, sapience and love 
Immense, and all his Father in him shone. 
About his chariot numberless were poured 
Cherub and Seraph, Potentates and Thrones, 



2v,o PARADISE LOST. 

And Virtues, winged Spirits, and chariots winged, 
From the armory of God, where stand of old 200 
Myriads, between two brazen mountains lodged, 
Against a solemn day, harnessed at hand, 
Celestial equipage ; and now came forth 
Spontaneous, for within them Spirit lived. 
Attendant on their Lord. Heaven opened wide 
Her ever-during gates, harmonious sound 
On golden hinges moving, to let forth 
The King of Glorj^ in his powerful Word 
And Spirit coming to create new worlds. — 
On heavenly ground they stood, and from the 

shore 
They viewed the vast immeasurable abyss, 211 
Outrageous as a sea, dark, wasteful, wild. 
Up from the bottom turned by furious winds 
And surging waves, as mountains, to assault 
Heaven's highth,and with the centre mix the pole. 
'' 'Sifence, ye troubled waves, and thou Deep 

peace !' 
Said then the omnific Word ; 'your discord end !' 
Nor stayed, but, on the wings of Cherubim 
Up-lifted, in paternal glory rode 
Far into Chaos, and the World unborn ; 220 

For Chaos heard his voice. Him all his train 
Followed in bright procession, to behold 
Creation, and the wonders of his might. 
Then stayed the fervid wheels, and in his hand 



BOOK VII. 231 

He took the golden compasses, prepared 
In God's eternal store, to circumscribe 
This Universe, and all created things. 
One foot he centered, and the other turned 
Round through the vast profundity obscure, 
And said : — 'Thus far extend, thus far thy bounds, 
This be thy just circumference, O World !' 231 

"Thus God the heaven created, thus the earth, 
Matter unformed and void. Darkness profound 
Covered the Abyss ; but on the watery calm 
His brooding wings the Spirit of God outspread, 
And vital virtue infused and vital warmth. 
Throughout the fluid mass, b^ut downward purged 
The black, tartareous, cold, infernal, dregs 
Adverse to life : then founded, then con globed, 
lyike things to like, the rest to several place 240 
Disparted, and between spun out the air, 
And Earth, self-balanced, on her centre hung. 

" %et there be light !' said God, and forthwith 
light. 
Ethereal, first of things, quintessence pure, 
Sprung from the Deep, and from her native east 
To journey through the aery gloom began. 
Sphered in a radiant cloud, for yet the sun 
Was not; she in a cloudy tarbernacle 
Sojourned the while. God saw the light was good; 
And light from darkness by the hemisphere 250 
Divided. Eight the Day, and darkness Night 



232 PARADISE LOST. - 

He named. Thus was the first day even and morn; 

Nor passed uncelebrated, nor unsung 

B}' the celestial quires. When orient light 

Exhaling first from darkness thej^ heheld. 

Birthday of heaven and earth, with jo}^ and shout 

The hollow universal orb they filled, 

And touched their golden harps, and hymning 

praised 
God and his works; Creator him they sung, 
Both when first evening was, and when first morn. 

"Again, God said: — 'lyet there be firmament 261 
Amid the waters, ar^^ let it divide 
The waters from the waters!' And God made 
The firmament, expanse of liquid, pure. 
Transparent, elemental air, diffused 
In circuit to the lattermost convex 
Of this great round; partition firm and sure, 
The waters underneath from those above 
Dividing — for as Earth, so he the World 
Built on circumfluous waters calrii, in wide 270 
Crystalline ocean, and the loud misrule 
Of Chaos far removed, lest fierce extremes 
Contiguous might distemper the whole frame — 
And Heaven be named the firmament: so even 
And morning chorus sung the second day. 

"The Earth was formed, but, in the womb as yet 
Of waters, embryon immature, involved. 
Appeared not; over all the face of Earth 



BOOK VII. 233 

Main ocean flowed, not idle, but, with warm 
t^rolific humor softening all her globe, 280 

Fermented the great mother to" conceive. 
Satiate with genial moisture; when God said: 
'Be gathered now, 3^e waters, under heaven 
Into one place, and yet dry land appear!' 
Immediately the mountains huge appear, 
Emergent, and their broad bare backs up-heave 
Into the clouds; theintops ascend the sky. 
3o high as heaved the tumid hills, so low 
Down sunk a hollow bottom, broad and deep, 
Capacious bed of waters. Thither they 290 

Hasted with glad precipitance, up-rolled, 
As drops on dust conglobing, from the dry; 
Part iHse in crystal wall, or ridge direct, 
For hasle: such flight the great command im- 
pressed 
On the swift floods. As armies at the call 
Of trumpet — for of armies thou hast heard — 
Troop to their standard, so the watery throng, 
Wave rolling after wave, where way they found; 
If steep, with torrent rapture, if through plain, 
Soft-ebbing: nor withstood them rock or hill; 300 
But they, or underground, or circuit wdde 
With serpent error wandering, foun^ their way, 
And on the washy ooz deep channels wore; 
Easy, ere God had bid .the ground be dry, 
All but within those banks, where rivers now 



234 PARADISE LOST. 

Stream, and perpetual draw their humid train.— 

The dry land, Earth, and the great receptacle 

Of congregated waters he called Seas; 

And saw thatit was good, and said: — 'Let the earth 

Put forth the verdant grass, herb yielding seed, 310 

And fruit-tree yielding fruit after her kind, 

Whose seed is in herself upon the earth.' 

He scarce had said, when the bare earth, till then 

Desert and bare, unsightly, unadorned. 

Brought forth the tender grass, whose verdure 

clad 
Her universal face with pleasant green; 
Then herbs of every leaf, that sudden flowered, 
Opening their various colors, and made gay 
Her bosom, smelling sweet; and, these scarce 

blown, 
Forth flourished thick the clustering vine, forth 

crept 
The swelling gourd, up stood the corny reed 321 
Embattled in her field, and the humble shrub, 
And bush with frizzled hair implicit: last 
Rose, as in dance, the stately trees, and spread 
Their branches hung with copious fruit, or 

gemmed 
Their blossoms. With high woods the hills were 

crowned. 
With tufts the valleys and each fountain-side. 
With borders long the rivers; that Earth now 



BOOK VII. 235 

Seemed liked to Heaven, a seat where Gods might 

dwell, 
Or wander with delight, and love to haunt 330 
Her sacred shades: though God had yet not rained 
Upon the earth, and man to till the ground 
None was, but from the earth a dewy mist 
Went up and watered all the ground, and each 
Plant of the field, which ere it Vv^as in the earth 
God made, and every herb, before it grew 
On the green stem. God saw that it was good; 
So even and morn recorded the third day. 

"Again the Almighty spake: — 'Let there be 

lights 
High in the expanse of heaven, to divide 340 
The Say from night; and let them be for signs. 
For seasons, and for days, and circling years; 
And let them be for lights, as I ordain 
Their office in the firmament of heaven, 
To give light on the earth! ' and it was so. 
And God made two great lights, great for their use 
To Man, the greater to have rule by day. 
The less by night, altern ; and made the stars. 
And set them in the firmament of heaven 
To illuminate the earth, and rule the day 350 
In their vicissitude, and rule the night, 
And light from darkness to divide. God saw. 
Surveying his great work, that it was good. 
For, of celestial bodies first, the Sun 



236 PARADISE LOST. 

A might}" sphere he framed, unliglitsome first, 
Though of ethereal mould; then formed the Moo?}. 
Globose, and ever}^ magnitude of Stars, 
And sowed with stars the heaven, thirk as afield. 
Of light by far the greater part he took, 
Transplanted from her cloudy shrine, and 

placed 360 

In the sun's orb, made porous to receive 
And drink the liquid light; firm to retain 
Her gathered beams, ^reat palace now of light. 
Hither, as to their fountain, other stars 
Repairing in their golden urns draw light 
And hence the morning planet gilds her horns. 
By tincture or reflection they augment 
Their small peculiar, though, from human sight 
So far remote, with diminution seen. 
First in his east the glorious lamp was seen, 370 
Regent of day, and all the horizon round 
Invested w^ith bright rays, jocund to run 
His longitude through heaven's high road; '^he 

gray 
Dawn and the Pleiades before him danced, 
vShedding sweet influence. Less bright the moon, 
But opposite in levelled west, w^as set, 
His mirror, with full face borrowing her light 
Frcpi him; for other light she needed none 
In that aspect; and still that distance keeps - 



BOOK VII. 237 

Till night; then in the east her turn she 
shines, 380 

Revolved on heaven's great axle, and her reign 
With thousand lesser lights dividual holds, , 
With thousand thousand stars, that then appeared 
Spangling the hemisphere. Then, first adorned 
With their bright luminaries that set and rose, 
Glad evening and glad morn crowned the fourth 
day. 
"And God said: — 'Let the waters generate 
Reptile with spawn abimdant, living soul ; 
And let fowl fly above the earth, with wings 
Displayed on the open firmament of heaven. ' 390 
And God created the great whales, and each 
Soul living, each that crept, which plenteously 
The waters generated by their kinds, 
And every bird of wing after his kind; 
And saw that it was good, and blessed them, 

saying: 
'Be fruitful, multiply, ^nd, in the seas, 
And lakes, and running streams, the waters fili; 
And let the foul be multiplied on the earth! '- 
Forth witli the sounds and teas, each creek and bay, 
With fry innumerable swarm, and shoals 400 
Of fish. that, with their fins and shining scales, 
Glide under the green wave, in sculls that oft 
Bank the mid sea. Part, sing:le or with mate, 



238 PARADISE LOST. 

Graze the seaweed, their pasture, and tjirougb 

groves 
Of corai stray, or, sporting with quick glance, 
Shew to the sun their waved coats dropt with 

gold; 
Or, in their pearly shells at ease, attend 
Moist nutriments; or under rocks their food 
In jointed armor watch; on smooth the seal 
And bended dolphins play; part, huge of 

bulk, 410 

Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their gait. 
Tempest the ocean. There leviathan, 
Hugest of living creatures, on the deep 
Stretched like a promontory, sleeps or swims. 
And seems a moving land, and at his gilJs 
Draws in, and at his trunk spouts out a sea. 
Meanwhile the tepid caves, and fens, and 

shores. 
Their brood as numerous hatch from the ^z%, 

that soon, 
Bursting with kindly rupture, forth disclose 419 
Their callow young; but feathered soon and 

fledge 
They summed their pens, and, soaring the air 

sublime, 
With clang despised the ground, under a cloud 
In prospect. There the eagle and the stork, 
On cliffs and cedar-tops, their eyries build. 



BOOK VII. 239 

Part loosely wing the region, part more wise 
In common, ranged in figure, wedged their way, 
Intelligent of seasons, and set forth 
Their aery caravan, liigh over seas 
Flying, and over lands, with mutual wing 
Easing their £ight — so steers the prudent 

crane 430 

Her annual voyage, borne on winds — the air 
Floats as they pass, fanned with unnumbered 

plumes. 
From branch to branch the smaller birds with 

song 
Solaced the woods, and spread their painted 

wings, 
Till even; nor then the solemn nightingale 
Ceased warbling, but all night tuned her soft 

lays. 
Others, on silver lakes and rivers, bathed 
Their downy breast; the swan, with arched neck 
Between her white wings mantling, proudly rows 
Her state with oary feet; yet oft they quit 440 
The dank, and, rising on stiff pinions, tower 
The mid aerial sky. Others on ground 
Walked firm; the crested cock whose clarion 

sounds 
The silent hours, and the other whose gay train 
Adorns him, colored with the florid hue 
On rainbows and starry eyes. The waters thus 



240 PARADISE LOST. 

With fish replenished, and the air with fowl, 
Evening and morn solemnized the fifth day. 

"The sixth, and of creation last, arose 
With evening harps and matin; when God 
said : 450 

%et the earth bring forth sonl living in her kind. 
Cattle and creeping things, and beast of the earth, 
Each in their kind.' The earth obe^^ed, and 

straight, 
Opening her fertile womb, teemed at a birth 
Innumerous living creatures, perfect forms. 
Limbed and full grown. Out of the ground up- 
rose. 
As from his lair, the wild beast where he wons 
In forest wild, in thicket, brake, or den 
— Among the trees in pairs they rose, they 

walked — 
/The cattle in the fields and meadows green : 460 
Those rare and solitar}^ these in flocks 
Pasturing at once, and in broad herds up-sprung. 
The grassy clods now calved; now half-appeared 
The tawny lion, pawing to get free 
His hinder parts, then springs, as broke from 

bonds, 
And rampant shakes his brinded mane; the ounce, 
The libbard, and the tiger, as the mole, 
Rising the crumbled earth above them tlirew 
In hillocks; the swift stag from underground 



BOOK VII. 241 

Bore up his branching head; scarce from his mould 
Behemoth, biggest born of earth, upheaved 471 
His vastness; fleeced the flocks and bleating rose, 
As plants; ambiguous between sea and land 
The river-horse and scal}^ crocodile. — 
At once came forth whatever creeps the ground, 
Insect or worm. Those w'aved their limber fans 
For wings, and smallest lineaments exact 
In all the liveries decked of summer's pride, 
With spots of gold and purple, azure and green; 
These, as a line, their long dimensions drew, 480 
Streaking the ground with sinuous trace : not all 
Minims of nature; some of serpent kind, 
Wondrous in length and corpulence, involved 
Their snaky folds, and added wings. First crept 
The parsimonious emmet, provident 
Of future, in small room large heart enclosed; 
Pattern of just equality perhaps 
Hereafter, joined in her popular tribes 
Of commdnalty. Swarming next appeared 
The female bee, that feeds her husband drone 490 
Deliciously, and builds her waxen cells 
With honey stored. The rest are numberless 
And thou their nature knowest, and gavest them 

names, 
Needless to-thee repeated; nor unknown 
The serpent, subtlest beast of all the field, 
Of huge extent sometimes, with brazen eyes 



242 PARADISE LOST. 

And hair}^ mane terrific, though to thee 
Not noxious, but obedient at thy call. 

"Now heaven in all her glory shone, and rolled 
Her motions, at the great First Mover' s hand 500 
First wheeled their course; eai-th, in her rich 

attire 
Consummate lovely, smiled; air, water, earth, 
By fowl, fish, beast, was flown, was swum, was 

walked, 
Frequent; and of the sixth day yet remained. 
There wanted yet the master- work, the end 
Of all yet done; a creature, who not prone 
And brute as other creatures, but endued 
With sanctity of reason might erect 
His stature, and, upright with front serene. 
Govern the rest, self-knowing, and from thence 5 10 
Magnanimous to correspond with Heaven, 
But grateful to acknowledge whence his good 
Descends ; thither with heart, and voice, and eyes 
Directed in devotion, to adore 
And worship God supreme, who made him chief 
Of all his work : therefore the omnipotent 
Eternal Father — for where is not he 
Present ? — thus to his Son audibly spake : 

" %et us make now Man in our image, Man 
In our similitude, and let them rule 520 

Over the fish and fowl of sea and air, 
Beast of the field, and over all the earth, 



BOOK VII. 243 

And every creeping thing that creeps the ground.* 

This said, he formed thee, Adam, thee, O man, 

Dust of the ground, and in thy nostrils breathed 

The breath of life ; in his own image he 

Created thee, in the image of God 

Express, and thou becamest a living soul. 

Male he created thee, but thy coUvSort 

Female, for race ; then blessed mankind, and said : 

*Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth; 531 

Subdue it, and thoughout dominion hold, 

Over fish of the sea, and fowl of the air, 

And ever}^ living thing that moves on the earth.' — 

Wherever thus created, for no place 

Is yet distinct by name, thence, as thou knowest, 

He brought thee into this delicious grove, 

This garden, planted with the trees of God, 

Delectable both to behold and taste; 

And freely all their pleasant fruit for food 540 

Gave thee ; all sorts are here that all the earth 

3d elds, 
Variety without end ; but of the tree, 
Which tasted works knowledge of good and evil, 
Thoumayest not ; in the day thou eatest, thou diest. 
Death is the penalty imposed ; beware. 
And govern well thy appetite, lest Sin 
Surpri^ thee, and her black attendant Death. 

''Here finished he, and all that he had made 
Viewed, and behold ! all was entirely good. 



244 PARADISE LOST. 

So even and morn accomplished the sixth da)^ ; 550 
Yet not till the Creator, from his work 
Desisting, though unwearied, up returned, 
Up to the Heaven-of-heavens, his high abode, 
Thence to behold this new* created World 
The addition of his empire, how it shewed 
In prospect from his throne, how good, how fair, 
Answering his' great idea. Up he rode. 
Followed with acclamation and the sound 
Symphonious of ten thousand harps, that tuned 
Angelic harmonies. The earth, the air 560 

Resounded — thou rememberest,for thou heardest— 
The heavens and all the constellations rung, 
The planets in their stations listening stood, 
While tlie bright pomp ascended jubilant. 
'Open, 5^e everlasting gates !'. they sung, 
'Open, 3^e Heavens, your living doors ! Let in 
The great Creator from his work returned 
Magnificent, his six days' work, a w^orld. 
Open, and henceforth oft ; for God will deign 
To visit oft the dwellings of just men, 570 

Delighted, and, with frequent intercourse, 
Thither will send his winged messengers 
On errands of supernal grace.' So sung 
The glorious train ascending. He through 

Heaven, 
That opened wide her blazing portals, led 
To God's eternal house direct the wav, 



BOOK VII. 245 

A broad and ample road, whose dust is golc', 
And pavement stars, as stars to thee appear, 
Seen in the. Galaxy, that milky way. 
Which nightly as a circling zone thou seest 580 
Powdered with^ stars. — And now on Earth the 

seventh 
Evening arose in Eden, for the sun 
Was set, and twilight from the east came on, 
Forerunning night; when at the holy mount 
Of Heaven's high-seated top, the imperial throne 
Of Godhead, fixed for ever firm and sure, 
The Filial Power arrived, and sat him down 
With his great Father; for he also went 
Invisible, j-et stayed — such privilege 
Hath Omnipresence — and the work ordained, 590 
Author and end of all things, and, from work 
Now resting, blessed and hallowed the seventh 

day, 
As resting on that da3^ from all his work; 
But not in silence holy kept. The harp 
Had work and rested not; the solemn pipe 
And dulcimer, all organs of sweet stop, 
All sounds on fret, b}?- string or golden wire, 
Tempered soft tunings, intermixed with voice 
Choral or unison; of incense clouds. 
Fuming from golden censers, hid the mount. 600 
Creation and the six da3^s' acts they sung : 
'Great are thj^ wor^s, Jeliovah! infinite 



/46 PARADISE LOST. 

Thy power! what thought can measure thee, or 

tongue 
Relate thee ? greater now in thy return 
Than from the Giant-angels. Thee that day 
Thy thunders magnified; but to create 
Is greater than created to destroy. 
Who can impare thee, mighty King, or bound 
Thy empire t Easily the proud attempt 
Of Spirits apostate, and their counsels vain, 6io 
Thou hast repelled, while impiously they thought 
Thee to diminish, and from thee withdraw 
The number of thy worshipers. Who seeks 
To lessen thee, against his purpose, serves 
To manifest the more thv might; his evil 
Thou usest, and from thence greatest more good. 
Witness this new-made World, another Heaven 
From Heaven -gate not far, founded in view 
On the clear hj- aline, the glassy sea; 
Of amplitude almost immense, with stars 620 
Numerous, and every star perhaps a world 
Of destined habitation; but thou knowest 
Their seasons. Among these the seat of men, 
Earth, with her nether ocean circumfused, 
Their pleasant dwelling-place. Thrice happy men, 
And sons of men ! whom God hath thus advanced, 
Created in his image, there to dwell 
And worship him, and in reward tomle 
Over his works on earth, in sea, or aii. 



BOOK VIL 247 

And multiply a race of worshipers 630 

Holy and just; thrice happy if they know 
Their happiness, and persevere upright! ' 

''So sung they, and the Empyrean rung 
With Hallelujahs; thus was Sabbath kept. 
And thy request think now fulfilled^ that asked 
How^ first this World and face of things began, 
And what before thy memory was done 
From the beginning, that posterity 
Informed by thee might know. If else thou 

seekest 
Aught, not surpassing human measure, say." 640 



PARADISE LOST. 

BOOK VIII. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

Adam LnxjiTires concerning' celestirJ motions, is doubt- 
fully answered, and exhorted to search rather things 
more worthy of kaowledg'e : Adam assents, and still 
desirous to detain Raphael, relates to him what he 
remembered since his own creation, his placing- in 
Paradise, his ta.k with God concerning- solitude and fit 
society, his first meeting and nuptials with Eve, his 
discoui-se with the Angel thereupon; who after admon- 
itions repeated departs. 

The Angel ended, and in Adam's ear 
So charming left liis voice that he awhile 
Thought him still speaking, still stood fixed to 

hear; 
Then, as new waked, thus gratefully replied: 

"What thanks sufficient, or wdiat recompense 
Equal, liave I to render thee ? divine 
Historian, who thus largely hast allayed 
The thirst I had of knowle/dge, and vouchsafed 
This friendly condescention to relate 
Things else by me unsearchable, now heard lo 
With w^onder, but delight, and, as is due, 



BOOK Vlir 249 

With glorA^ attributed to the high 
Creator. Something yet of doubt remains, 
Which only the sohition can resolve. — 
When I behold this goodlj^ frame, this World 
Of hdaven and earth consisting, and compute 
Their magnitudes; this earth, a spot, a grain, 
An atom,- with the firmament compared 
And ail her numbered stars, that vseem to roll 
Spaces incomprehensible— for such 20 

Their distance argues, and their swift return 
Diurnal — merely to ofiiciate light 
Round this opacous earth, this punctual spot, 
One day and night, in all their vast survey 
Useless besides — reasoning I oft admire 
How Nature, wise and frugal, could commit 
Such disproportions, with superfluous hand 
So many nobler bodies to create. 
Greater so manifold, to this one use, 
For aught appears, and on their orbs impose 30 
Such restless revolution, day by day 
Repeated, while the sedentary earth. 
That better might with far less compass move, 
Served by more noble than herself, attains 
Her end without least motion, and receives, 
As tribute, such a sumless journey brought 
Of incorporeal speed, her warmth and light; 
Speed, to describe whose swiftness number fails. " 
So spake our sire, and by his countenance seemed 



250 PARADISE LOST, 

Entering on studious thoughts abstruse; which 

Eve 
Perceiving, where she sat retired in sight, 41 
With lowliness majestic from her seat, 
And grace that won who saw to wish her stay, 
Rose, and went forth among her fruits and 

flowers, 
To visit how they prospered, bud and bloom, 
Her nursery; they at her coming sprung, 
And, touched by her fair tendance, gladlier grew. 
Yet went she not, as not with such discourse 
Delighted, or not capable her ear 
Of what was high. Such pleasure she reserved, 50 
Adam relating, she sole auditress; 
Her husband the relator she preferred 
Before the Angel, and of him to ask 
Chose rather; he, she knew, would intermix 
Grateful digressions, and solve high dispute 
With conjugal caresses; from his lip ' 

Not words alone pleased her. Oh, when meet 

now 
Such pairs, in love and mutual honor joii;ed! 
With goddess-like demeanor forth she went, 
Not unattended, for on her as queen 60 

A pomp of winning Graces waited still, 
And from about her shot darts of desire 
Into all eyes, to wish her still in sight. 
And Raphael now, to Adam's doubt proposed^ 



BOOK VIII. 251 

Benevolent and facile thus replied: 

*'To ask or search I blame thee not^ for heaveu 
Is as the book of God before thee set, 
Wherein to read his wondrous works, and learn 
His seasons, hours, or days, or months, orj^ears — 
This to attain, whether heaven move or earth, 70 
Imports not, if thou reckon right — the rest 
From Man or Angel the great Architect 
Did wisely to conceal, and not divulge 
His secrets, to be scanned by them who ought 
Rather admire; or, if they list to try 
Conjecture, he his fabric of the heavens 
Hath left to their disputes, perhaps to move 
His laughter at their quaint opinions wide 
Hereafter; when they corfie to model heaven 
And calculate the stars, how they will wield 80 
The mighty frame, how build, unbuild, contrive, 
To save appearances, how gird the sphere 
With centric and eccentric scribbled o'er, 
Cycle and epicyc^lej orb in orb. 
Already by th}^ reasoning this I guess, 
Who art to lead thy offspring, and supposes . 
That bodies bright and greater should not serve 
The less not bright, nor heaven such journeys 

run, 
Earth sitting still, when she alone receives 
The benefit. Consider first, that great 90 

Or bright infers not excellence: the earth, 



•>.52 PARADISE LOST. 

Though, in comparison of heaven, so small, 
Nor glistering, may of solid good contain 
More plei^iy than the sun that barren shines* 
Whose virtue on itself works no effect, 
But in the fruitful earth; there first received, 
His beams, unactive else, their vigor find. 
Yet not to earth are those bright luminaries 
Officious, but to thee, earth's habitant. 
And for the heaven's wide circuit, let it speak ^oo 
The Maker's high magnificence, who built 
So spacious, and his line stretched out so far, 
That Man may know^ he dwells not in his own; 
An edifice too large for him to fill, 
Lodged in a small partition, and the rest 
Ordained for uses to his Lord best known. 
The swiftness of those circles attribute. 
Though numberless, to his omnipotence, 
That to corporeal substances could add 109 

Speed almost soiritual. Me thou thinkest not 

slow, 
Who since the raornmg-hour set out from Heaven 
Where God resides, and ere mid-day arrived 
In Kden, distance inexpressible 
By numbers that have name. But this I urge, 
Admitting motion in the heavens, to shew 
Invalid that which thee to doubt it moved; 
Not that I so affirm, though so it seem 
To thee who hast thy dwelling here on earth. 



BOOK VIII. 253 

God, to remove his waj^s from human sense, 
Placed heaven from earth so far, that earthl}' sight, 
If it presumes, might efr in things too high, 121 
And no advantage gain. What if the sun 
Be centre to the World, and other stars, 
By his attractive virtue and their own 
Incited, dance about him various rounds! 
Their wandering course, now high, now low, then 

hid. 
Progressive, retrograde, or standing still, 
In six thou seest; and what if seven to these 
The planet-earth, so steadfast though she seem, 
Insensibly three different motions move ! 130 
Which else to several spheres thou must ascribe 
Moved contrary with thwart obliquities; 
Or save the sun his labor, and that sw^ift 
Nocturnal and diurnal rhomb supposed. 
Invisible else above all stars, the wheel 
Of day and night; which needs not thy beliefs 
If earth, industrious of herself, fetch day 
Traveling east, and with her part averse 
From the sun's beam meet night, her other part 
Still luminous by his ray. What if that light 140 
Sent ^rom her, through the wide transpicuous air, 
To the terrestrial moon, be as a star 
Enlightening her by day, as she by night 
This earth! reciprocal, if land be there. 
Fields ana inhabitants. Her spots thou seest 



254 PARADISE LOST, 

As clouds, and clouds may rain, and rain produce 
Fruits in her softened soil, for some to eat 
Alluted there; and other suns perhaps, 
With their attendant moons, thou wilt descry 
Communicating male and female light 750 

-—Which two great sexes animate the World — 
Stored in each orb perhaps with some that live. 
Fpr such vast room in nature unpossessed 
By living soul, desert and desolate, 
Only to shine, yet scarce to contribute 
Each orb a glimpse of light, conveyed so far 
Down to this habitable, which returns 
Light back to them, is obvious to dispute. — 
But whether thus these things or whether not, 
Whether the sun, predominant in heaven, i5<l 
Rise on the earth, or earth rise on the sun, 
He from the east his flaming road begin, 
Or she from west her silent course advance, 
With inoffensive pace, that spinning sleeps 
On her soft axle, while she paces even, 
A.nd bears thee soft with the smooth air along, 
Solicit not thy thoughts with matters hid; 
lycave them to God above; him serve and fear 
Of other creatures, as him pleases best, 
Wherever placed, let him dispose; joy thou 17c 
In what he gives to thee, this Paradise 
And thy fair Eve; heaven is for thee too high 
To know what passes there. Be lowly wise; 



BOOK I'll I. 255 

Think only what concerns thee and thy being; 
Dream not of other worlds, what creatures there 
Live, in what state, condition, or degree. 
Contented that thus far hath been revealed 
Not of Earth only, but of highest Heaven." 

To whom thus Adam, cleared of doubt, replied; 
"How fully hast thou satisfied me, pure 180 

Intelligence of Heaven, Angel serene: 
And, freed from intricacies, thought to live 
The easiest way, nor with perplexing thoughts 
To interrupt the sweet of life, from which 
God hath bid dwell far off all anxious cares. 
And not molest us, unless we ourselves 
Seek them with wandering thoughts, and notions 

vain. 
But apt the mind or fancy is to rove 
Unchecked; and of her roving is no end, , 
Till warned, or by experience taught, she 

learn 190 

That not to know at large of things remote 
From use, obscure and subtle, but to know 
That which before us lies in daily life 
Is the prime wisdom; what is more, is fume, 
Or emptiness, or fond impertinence, 
And render^ us in things that most concern 
Unpractised, unprepared, and still to seek. 
Therefore from this high pitch let us des':end 
A lower flight, and speak of things at hand, 



256 PARADISE LOST. 

Useful, whence haply mention may arise 200 
Of something not unseasonable to ask, 
By sufferance, and thy wonted favor, deigned. — 
Thee I have heard relating what was done 
Ere m}^ rememberance; now hear me relate 
My story, which perhaps thou hast not heard. 
And day is not yet spent; till then thou seest 
How subtly to detain thee I devise, 
Inviting thee to hear while I relate, — 
Fond! were it not in hope of thy reply. 
For while I sit with thee I seem in Heaven, 210 
And sweeter thy discourse is to my ear 
Than fruits of palm-tree, pleasantest to thirst 
And hunger both, from labor, at the hour 
Of sweet repast. They satiate and soon fill, 
Though pleasant; but thy words, with grace divine 
Imbued, bring to their sweetness no satiety." 
To whom thus Raphael answered, heavenly 
meek : 
*'Nor are thy lips ungraceful, sire of men, 
Nor tongue ineloquent; for God on thee 
Abundantly his gifts hath also poured, 220 

Inward and outward both his image fair : 
Speaking or mute all comeliness and grace 
Attends thee, and each word, each motion forms. 
Nor less think we in Heaven of thee on Earth 
Than of our fellow-servant, and inquire 
Gladly into the ways of God with Man; 



BOOK VIIL • 257 

For God, we see, hath honored thee, and set 
On Man his equal love. . Say therefore on; 
tor I that day was absent, as befell. 
Bound on a voyage uncouth and obscure, 230 
Far on excursion toward the gates of Hell; 
Squared in full legion — such command we had — 
To see that none thence issued forth a spy 
Or enemy, while God w^as in his work; 
I^est he, incensed at such eruption bold, 
Destruction with creation might have mixed. 
Not that they durst without his leave attempt; 
But us he sends upon his high behests 
For state, as sovran King, and to endure 
Our prompt obedience. Fast we found, fast 
shut, 24c 

The dismal gates, and bkrricadoed strong; 
But, long ere our approaching, heard within 
Noise, other than the sound of dance or song, 
Torment, and loud lament, and furious rage. 
Glad we returned up to the coasts of light. 
Ere Sabbath-evening; so we had in charge. 
But thy relations now; for I attend. 
Pleased with thy words no less than thou with 
mine." 
So spake the godlike Power, and thus our Sire: 
"For Man to tell how human life began 250 

Is hard ; for who himself beginning knew ? 
Desire with the still longer to converse 



258 PARADISE LOST. 

Induced me. — As new waked from soundest sleep. 
Soft on/ the flowery herb I found me laid, 
In balmy sweat, which with his beams the sun 
Soon dried, and on the reeking moisture fed. 
Straight toward * heaven my. wondering eyes I 

turned. 
And gazed awhile the ample sky, till, raised 
By quick instinctive motion, up I sprung, 
As thitherward endeavoring, and upright 260 
Stood on my feet. About me round I saw 
Hill, dale, and shady woods, and sunny plains, 
And liquid lapse of murmuring streams ; by these, 
Creatures that lived and moved, and walked or 

flew, 
Birds on the branches warbling ; all things smiled : 
With fragrance and with joy my heart o'erflowed. 
Myself I then perused, and limb by limb 
Surveyed, and sometimes went, and sometimes ran 
With supple joints, as lively vigor led ; 
But who I was, or where, or from what cause, 270 
Knew not. To speak I tried, and forthwith spake ; 
My tongue obeyed, and readily could name 
Whate'er I saw. *Thou sun,' said I, 'fair light. 
And thou enlightened earth, so fresh and ga}^ 
Ye hills and dales, ye rivers, woods, and plains, 
And ye that live and move, fair creatures, tell, 
Tell, if ye saw, how I came thus, how here. 
Not of myself ; by some great Maker tUeu, 



BOOK ' 'III. 259 

In goodness and in power pre-eminent. 
Tell me how may I know him, how adore, 280 
From whom I have that thus I move and live, 
And feel that I am happier than I know. 

"While thus I called, and strayed I knew not 
whi'her, 
From where I first drew air, and first beheld 
This happ}^ light, when answer none returned, 
On a green shady bank, profuse of flowers, 
Pensive! sat me down ; there gentle sleep 
First found me, and with soft oppression seized 
My drowsied sense, untroubled though I thought 
I then was passing to my former state 290 

Insensible, and forth Vvdth to dissolve : 
When suddenly stood at my head a dream, ^ 
Whose inward apparition gently moved 
My fancy to believe I yet had being, 
And lived . One came, methought, of shape divine, 
And said : — 'Thy mansion wants thee, Adam ; rise. 
First Man, of men innumerable ordained 
First Father 1 called by thee, I come thy guide 
To the garrden of bliss, thy seat prepared.' — 
So saying, by the hand he took me, raised, 300 
And over fields and waters, as in air, 
Smooth sliding without step, last led me up 
A woody mountain, whose high top was plain, 
A circuit wide, enclosed, with goodliest trees 
Planted, with walks and bowers, that what I saw 



26o PARADISE LOST. 

Of earth before scarce pleasant seemed. Each tree 

Loaden with fairest fruit that, hung to the eye 

Tempting, stirred in me sudden appetite 

To pluck and eat ; whereat I waked, and found 

Before mine eyes all real, as the dream 310 

Had lively shadowed. Here had new begun 

My wandering, had not He, who was my guide 

Up hither, from among the trees appeared 

Presence divine. Rejoicing, but with awe, 

In adoration at his feet I fell 

Submiss; he reared me, and, 'Whom thou sought- 

est I am,' 
Said mildly, 'Author of all this thou seest 
Above, or round about thee, or beneath. 
This Paradise I give thee, count it thine 
To till and keep, and of the fruit to eat. 320 

Of every tree that in the garden grows 
Kat freely with glad heart; fear here no dearth. 
But of the tree whose operation brings 
Knowledge of good and ill, which I have set, 
The pledge of thy obedience and thy faith, 
Amid the garden by the Tree of Life 
— Remember what I warn thee- — shun to taste, 
And shun the bitter consequence; for know, 
The day thou eatest thereof, my sole command 
Transgressed, inevitably thou shalt die, 330 

From that day mortal, and this happy state 
Shalt lose, expelled from hence into a world 



BOOK VIII. 261 

Of woe and sorrow.' Sternly he pronounced 
The rigid interdiction, which resounds 
Yet dreadful in mine ear, though in my choice 
Not to incur; but soon his clear aspect 
Returned, and gracious purpose thus renewed: 
'Not only these fair bounds, but all the Karth 
To Thee and to thy race I give; as lords 
Possess it, and all things that therein live, 340 
Or live in sea or air, beast, fish, and fowl. 
In sign whereof, each bird and beast, behold! 
After their kinds, I bring them to receive 
From thee their names, and pay thee fealty 
With low subjection. Understand the same 
Of fish within their watery residence. 
Not hither summoned, .since they cannot change 
Their element to draw the thinner air.' — 
As thus he spake, each bird and beast behold 
Approaching two and two; these cowering 

low 350 

With blandishment, each bird stooped on his 

wing. 
I named them, as they passed, and understood 
Their nature, with such knowledge God endued 
My sudden apprehension. But in these 
I found not what, methought, I wanted still; 
And to the heavenly Vision thus presumed: 

" *0h, by what name, for thou above all these, 
Above mankind, or aught than mankind higher. 



262 PARADISE LOST. 

Surpasses! far my naming, how may I 

Adore thee, Author of this Universe, 360 

And all this good to Man ? for whose well-being 

So amply, and with hand so liberal, 

Thou hast provided all things. But with me 

I see not who partakes. In solitude 

What happiness ? who can enjoy alone ? 

Or, all enjo3'ing, what contentment find ? ' — 

Thus I presumptuous; and the Vision bright, 

As with a smile more brightened, thus replied: 

' ' 'What callest thou solitude ? Is not the earth 
With various living creatures, and the air 370 
Replenished, and all these at thy command 
To come and play before thee? Kno west thou not 
Their language and their ways? They also know, 
And reason not contemptibly; with these 
Find pastime, and bear rule; thy realm is large.' — • 
So spake the universal Lord, and seemed 
So ordering. I, with leave of speech implored, 
And humble deprecation, thus replied: 

** %et not my words offend thee, heavenly 
Power, 
My Maker, be propitious while I speak. 380 

Hast thou not made me here th}^ substitute 5 
And these inferior far beneath me set ? 
Among unequais what society 
Can sort, what harmony or true delight ? 
Which must be mutual, in proportion due 



BOOK Vni. 263 

Given and received; but in disparity, 
The one intense, the other still remiss, 
Cannot well suit with either, but soon prove 
Tedious alike. Of fellowship I speak 
Such as I seek, fit to participate 390 

All rational delight, wherein the brute 
Ca3inot be human consort. They rejoice 
Each with their kind, lion with lioness; 
So^ fitly 'them in pair thou hast combined. 
Much less can bird with beast, or fish with fowl 
So well converse, nor with the ox the ape; 
Worse then can man with beast, and least of all.' 

'■'Whereto the Almighty answered, not dis- 
pleased: 
A nice and subtle happiness, I see. 
Thou to thyself proposest, in the choice 400 

Of thy associates, Adam, and wait taste 
No pleasure, though in pleasure, solitary. 
Whatthinkest thou then of me, and this my state? 
Seem I to thee sufiiciently possessed 
Of happiness, or not ? who am alone 
From all eternity; for none I know 
Second to me or like, equal much less. 
How have I then with whom to hold converj^e ? 
Save with the creatures which I made, and those 
To me inferior, infinite descents 410 

Beneath what other creatures are to thee.' 

"He ceased; I lowly answered: — 'To attain 



.2b4 PARADISE LOST, 

tTbe highth and depth of thy eternal ways 

A15 feiiman thoughts come short, Supreme of 

things! 
Thou in thyself art perfect, and in thee 
Is no -deficience found; not so is Man, 
But in degree, the cause of his desire 
By conversation with his like to help 
Or solace his defects. No need" that thou 
Shouldest propagate, alread}' infinite, 420 

\nd through all numbers absolute, though one. 
Hut Man by number is to manifest 
ills single imperfection, and beget 
Xrike of his like, his image multiplied, 
In unity defective, which requires 
Collateral love, and dearest amity. 
Tliou in thy secrec}' although alone. 
Best with thyself accompanied, seekest not 
Social communication, yet, so pleased. 
Canst raise thy creature to what highth thou wilt 
Of union or communion, deified; 431 

I, by conversing, cannot these erect 
From prone, nor in their ways complacence 

find.' — 
Thus I emboldened spake, and freedom used 
Permissive, and acceptance found, which gained 
This answer from the gracious Voice divine: 

" *Thus far to try thee, Adam, I was pleased, 
And find thee knowing not of beasts alone. 



BOOK VIII. 26 

Which thou hast rightly named, but of th^^selt 
Expressing well the spirit within thee free. 440'^ 
My image, not imparted to the brute, 
Whose fellowship therefore, unmeet for thee, 
Good reason was thou freely shouldest dislike; 
And be so minded still. I, ere thou spakest. 
Knew it not good for Man to be alone, 
And no such company as then thou sawesi: 
Intended thee, for trial onl}^ brought. 
To see how thou couldest judge of fit and meet^ 
What next I bring shall please thee, be assured^. 
Thy likeness, thy fit help, thy other self, 4510: 
Thy wish exactly to thy heart's desire.' 

"He ended, or I heard no more; for now 
My earthly by his heavenly overpowered, 
Which it had long stood under, strained to th'e.' 

highth 
In that celestial colloquy sublime, 
As with an object that excels the sense, 
Dazzled and spent sunk down, and sought repaic- 
Of sleep, which instantlj^ fell on me, called 
By Nature as in aid, and closed mine eyes. 
Mine eyes he closed, but open left the cell 46^!= 
Of fancy, my internal sight, by which, 
Abstract as in a trance, methought I saw, 
Though sleeping, wdiere I lay and saw the Shape- 
Still glorious before whom awake I stood; 
Who stooping opened my left side, and took 



266 PARADISE LOST. 

From thence a rib, with cordial spirits warm, 
And life-blood streaming fresh; wide was the 

wound, 
But suddenly with flesh filled up and healed. 
The rib he formed and fashioned with his hands: 
Under his forming hands a creature grew, 470 
Manlike, but different sex, so lovely fair, 
That what seemed fair in all the world seemed now 
Mean, or in her summed up, in her contained, 
And in her looks, which from that time infused 
Sweetness into mj^ heart, unfelt before. 
And into all things from her air inspired 
The spirit of love and amorous delight. 
She disappeared, and left me dark; I waked 
To find her, or forever to deplore 
Her loss, and other pleasures all abjure: 480 

When, out of hope, behold her not far off, 
Such as I saw her in my dream, adorned 
With what ail Earth or Heaven could bestow, 
To make her amiable. On she came, 
I^ed by her heavenly Maker, though unseen 
And guided by his voice; nor uninformed 
Of nuptial sanctity and marriage rights. 
Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, 
In every gesture dignit}^ and love. 
I overjoyed could not forbear aloud: 

" 'This turn hath made amends; thou hast 

fulfilled 



BOOK VIII. 267 

Thy words, Creator bounteous and benign, 
Giver of all things fair! but fairest this 
Of all thy gifts, nor enviest. I now see 
Bone of my bone, flesh of my ftesh, myself 
Before me; Woman's her name, of Man 
Extracted; for this cause he shall forgo 
Father and mother, and to his wife adhere; 
And they shall be one flesh, one heart, one soul.' 
'She heard me thus; and, though divinely 
brought, 500 

Yet innocence and virgin modesty, 
Her virtue and the conscience of her worth. 
That would be wooed, and not unsought be won, 
Not obvious, not obtrusive, but retired, 
The more desirable; or, to say all. 
Nature herself, though pure of sinful thought, 
Wrought in her so, that seeing me she turned; 
I followed her, she what was honor knew, 
And with obsequious majesty approved 
My pleaded reason. To the nuptial bower 510 
I led her blushing like the Morn: all heaven, 
And happy constellations, on that hour 
Shed their selectest influence; the earth 
Gave signs of gratulation, and each hill; 
Joyous the birds; fresh gales and gentle airs 
Whispered it to the woods, and from their wings 
Flung rose, flung odors from the spicy shrub, 
Disporting, till the amorous bird of night 



26S PARADISE LOST. 

;Siiiig spousal, and bid haste the Evening-star 
On his hill-top, to light the bridal lamp. 520 

*'Thus have Itold thee all my state, and brought 
My story to the sum of earthl}^ bliss 
"Which I enjoy; and must confess to find 
In all things else delight indeed, but such 
As, -used or not, works in the mind no change, 
Nor vehement desire; these delicacies 
I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits, and 

flowers, 
Walks, and the melody of birds: but here, 
Far otherwise, transported I behold, 
Transported touch; here passion first I felt, 530 
•Commotion strange, in all enjoyments else 
Superior and unmoved, here only weak 
Against the charm of beauty's powerful glance. 
Or Nature failfed in me, and l^ft some part 
Not proof enough such object to sustain. 
Or, from my side subducting, took perhaps 
More than enough; at least on her bestowed 
Too much of ornament, in outward shew 
Elaborate, of inward less exact. 
Vox well I understand, in the prime end 540 

Of Nature, her the inferior, in the mind 
And inward faculties, which most excel; 
In outward also her resembling less 
His image who made both, and less expressing 
The character of that dominion given 



BOOK VIIL 2% 

O'er other creatures; yet when I approacli 
Her loveliness, so abolute she seems 
And in herself complete, so well to know 
Her own, that what she wills to do or say. 
Seems wisest, virtuousest, discreetest, best* 5^ 
All higher Knowledge in her presence falls^ 
Degraded; Wisdom in discourse with her 
Loses discountenanced, and like Folly shews; 
Authority and Reason on her wait, 
As one intended first, not after made 
Occasionall}^; and, to consummate all, 
Greatness of mind and Nobleness their seat 
Build in her loveliest, and create an awe. 
About her, as a guard angelic placed." 
' To whom the Angel with contracted brow: 560^ 
''Accuse not Nature, she hath done her part; 
Do thou but thine, and be not diffident 
Of Wisdom; she deserts* thee not, if thou 
Dismiss not her, when most thou needest her mg!i» 
By attributing overmuch to things 
Less excellent, as thou thyself perceivest. 
For what admirest thou? what transports thee so? 
An outside; fair, no doubt, and worthy well 
Thy cherishing, thy honoring, and thy love. 
Not thy subjection. Weigh with her thyself; 57x3 
Then value. Oft-times nothing profits more 
Than self-esteem, grounded on just and right. 
Well managed; of that skill the more thou knowestg 



l^o PARADISE LOST. 

The more she will acknowledge thee her heai^. 
And to realities yield all her shews; 
Made so adorn for thy delight the mor<e, 
So awful, that with honor thou mayest love 
Thy mate, who sees when thou art seen least wise. " 
But if the sense of touch, whereby mankind 
Is propagated, seem such dear delight 580 

Beyond all other, think the same vouchsafed 
To cattle and each beast ; which would not be 
To them made common and divulged, if aught 
Therein ehjoyed were worthy to subdue 
The soul of Man, or passion in him moye. 
What higher in her society thou findest. 
Attractive, human, rational, love still ; . 
In loving thou dost well; in passion not, 
Wherein true love consists not ; love refines 
The thought, and heart enlarges, hath'his seat 59c 
In reason, and is judicious, is the scale 
By which to heavenly love thou niaj^st ascend, 
Not sunk in carnal pleasure ; for which cause 
Among the beasts no mate for thee was_ found." 

To whom thus, half abashed, Adam, replied : 
' 'Neither her outside formed so fair, nor aught 
In procreation, common to all kinds — 
Though higher of the genial bed by far, ^ 
And with mysterious reverence I deem — 
So much delights me, as those graceful ^.cts, 600 
Those thousand decencies, that daily flow 



BOOK VII I. 271 

From all her words and actions, mixed with love 
And sweet compliance, which declare unfeigned 
Union of mind, or in us -both one S9UI ; 
Harmony to behold in wedded pair 
More grateful than harmonious sound to the ear. 
Yet these subject not ; I to thee disclose 
What inward thence I feel, not therefore foiled, 
Who meet with various objects, from the sense 
Variously representing, yet still free 610 

Approve the best, and follow what I approve. 
To love thou blamest me not, for love thou sayest 
I^eads up to Heaven, is both the way and guide. 
Bear with me then, if lawful what I ask. — 
I^ove not the heavenly Spirits? and how their love 
Express they ? by looks only, or do they mix 
Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch?" 

To whom the Angel, witji a smile that glowed 
Celestial rosy-red, love's proper hue. 
Answered : — ' Xet it suffice thee that thou knowest 
Us happy, and without love no happiness. 621 
Whatever pure thou in the body enjoy est — 
And pure thou wert created— we enjoy 
In eminence,^and obstacle find none 
Of membrane, joint, or limb, exclusive bars : 
Kasier than air with air, if Spirits embrace, 
Total they mix, union of pure with pure 
Desiring, nor restrained conveyance need 
As flesh to mix with flesh, or soul with soul. — 



972 PARADISE LOST. 

But I can now no more ; the parting sun 630 

Beyond the earth's Green Cape and Verdant Isles 

Hesperean sets, my signal to depart. 

Be strong, live happy, and love ! but first of all 

Him whom to love is to obey, and keep 

His great command ; take heed lest passion sway 

Thy judgment to do aught, which else free-will 

Would not admit ; thine, and of all thy sons 

The weal or woe in thee is placed ; beware ! 

I in thy persevering shall rejoice, 

And all the Blest. Stand fast; to stand or fall 640 

Free in thine own arbitrement it lies. 

Perfect within, no outward aid require ; 

And all temptations to trangress repel." 

So saying, he arose ; whom Adam thus 
Followed with benediction : — "Since to part. 
Go, heavenly guest^ ethereal messenger, 
Sent from whose sovran goodness I adore. 
Gentle to me and affable hath been 
Thy condescension, and shall be honored ever 
With grateful memory; thou to mankind 650 
Be good and friendly still, and oft return." 

So parted they, the Angel up to Heaven 
From the thick shade, and Adam to his bower 



PARADISE LOST. 

BOOK IX. 

the; argument. 

Satan" having compassed the earth, with meditated 
guile returns as a midst by night into Paradise, enters 
*"7to the Serpent sleeping. Adam and Eve in the 
morning go forth to their labors, which Eve proposes 
to divide in several places, each laboring apart; Adam 
consents not, alleging the danger, lest that enemy, of 
whom they were forewarned, should attempt her 
found alone. Eve, loth to be thought not circumspect 
or firm enough, urges her, going apart, the rather 
desirous to make trial of her strength; Adam at last 
yields. The Serpent finds her alone; his subtle 
approach, first gazing, then speaking, with much 
flattery extolling Eve above all other creatures. Eve, 
wondering to hear the Serpent speak, asks how he 
attained to human speech and such understanding 
not till now: the Serpent answers, that by tasting of 
a certain tree in the garden he attained both to speech 
and reason, till then void of both. Eve requires him 
to bring her to that tree, and finds it to be the Tree 
of Knowledge forbidden. The Serpent now grown 
bolder, with many wiles and arguments induces her 
at length to eat; she, pleased with the taste, deliber- 
ates a while whether to impart thereof to Adam or 
not, at last brings him of the fruit, relates what per- 
suaded her to eat thereof. Adam at first amazed, but 
perceiving her lost, resolves through vehemence of 
love to perish with her; and extenuating the ti^espasa 
eats also of the fruit. The effects thereof in them 
both; they seek to cover their nakedness; then fall to 
variance ar*^ accusation of one another. 



274 PARADISE LOST. 

No more of talk where God or Angel guest 

With Man, as with his friend, familiar used 

To sit indulgent, and with him partake 

Rural repast, permitting him the while 

Venial discourse unblamed. I now must change 

Those notes to tragic; foul distrust, and breach 

Disloyal on the part of Man, revolt 

And disobedience; on the part of Heaven, 

Now alienated, distance and distaste, 

Anger and just rebuke, and judgement given, ro 

That brought into this world a world of woe, 

Sin and her shadow Death, and Misery, 

Death's harbinger: sad task! yet argument 

Not less but more heroic than the wrath 

Of stern Achilles, on his foe pursued 

Thrice fugitive about Troy -wall; or rage 

Of Turn us for I^avinia disespoused; 

Or Neptune's ire, or Juno's, that so long 

Perplexed the Greek, and Cytherea's son;— 

If answerable style I can obtain 20 

Of ni}^ celestial patroness, who deigns 

Her nightly visitation, unimplored, 

And dictates to me slumbering, or inspires 

Easy my unpremeditated verse, 

Since first this subject for heroic song 

Pleased me, long choosing and beginning late, 

Not sedulous by nature to indite 

Wars, hitherto the only argument 



BOOK IX. 275 

Heroic deemed, chief mastery to dissect, 

With long and tedious havoc, fabled knights, 30 

In battles feigned — the better fortitude 

Of patience and heroic martj^rdom 

Unsung — or to describe races and games, 

Or tilting furniture, emblazoned shields, 

Impresses quaint, caparisons and steeds. 

Bases and tinsel trappings, gorgeous kriights 

At joust and torneament; then marshalled feast 

Served up in hall with sewers and seneshals; 

The skill of artifice or office mean, 

Not that which justly gives heroic name 

To person or to poem. Me, of these 

Nor skilled nor studious, higher argument 

Remains, sufficient of itself to raise 

That name, unless an age too late, or cold 

Climate, or years, damp my intended wing, 

Depressed; and much they may if all be mine, 

Not hers who brings it nightly to my ear. 

The sun was sunk, and after him the star 
Of Hesperus, whose office is to bring 
Twilight upon the earth, short arbiter 50 

'Twixt day and night; and now from end to end 
Night's hemisphere had veiled the horizon round, 
When Satan, who late fled, before the threats 
Of Gabriel, out of Kden, now improved 
In meditated fraud and malice, bent 
On Man's destruction, maugre what might hap 



276 PARADISE LOST. 

Of heavier on himself, fearless returned. — 
By night he fled, and at midnight returned, 
From compassing the earth; cautious of day. 
Since Uriel, regent of the sun, descried 60 

His entrance, and forewarned the Cherubim 
That kept their watch. Thence, full of anguish, 

driven 
The space of seven continued nights he rode 
With darkness; thrice the equinoctial line 
He circled, four times crossed the car of Night 
From pole to pole, traversing each colure; 
On the eighth return, and, on the coast averse 
From entrance or cherubic watch, by stealth 
Found unsuspected way. There was a place 
— Now not, though sin, not time, first wrought 

the change — 70 

Where Tigris, at the foot of Paradise, 
Into a gulf shot underground, till part 
Rose up a fountain by the Tree of lyife. 
In with the river sunk, and with it rose 
Satan, involved in rising mist; then sought 
Where to lie hid. Sea he had searched and land, 
From Eden over Pontus, and the pool 
Maeotis, up beyond the river Ob; 
Downward as far antarctic; and in length 
West from Orontes to the ocean barred 80 

At Darien, thence to the land where flows 
Ganges and Indus. Thus the orb he roamed' 



BOOK IX. 277 

With narrow search, and, with inspection deep, 

Considered every creature, which of all 

Most opportune might serve his wiles, and found 

The serpent subtlest beast of all the field. 

Him, after long debate, irresolute 

Of thoughts revolved, his final sentence chose, 

Fit vessel, fittest imp of fraud, in whom 

To enter, and his dark suggestions hide 90 

From sharpest sight; for in the \\\\y snake 

Whatever sleights none would suspicious mark> 

As from his wit and native subtlety 

Proceeding, which, in other beasts observed, 

Doubt might beget of diabolic power. 

Active within beyond the sense of brute. 

Thus he resolved, but first from inward grief 

His bursting passion into plaints thus poured: 

"O Harth, how like to Heaven, if not preferred 
More justly, seat worthier of Gods, as built 100 
With second thoughts, reforming what was old! 
For what God, after better, w^orse would build ? 
Terrestrial Heaven, danced round by other 

heavens, 
That shine, yet bear their bright officious lamps, 
lyight above light, for thee alone, as seems. 
In thee concentring all their precious beams 
Of sacred influence! As God in Heaven 
Is centre, yet extends to all, so thou 
Centring receivest from all those orbs; in thee, 



278 PARADISE LOST. 

Not in themselves, all their known virtue appears, 
Productive in herb, plant, and nobler birth iii 
Of creatures animate with gradual life 
Of growth, sense, reason, all summed up in Man. 
With what delight could I have walked thee 

round, 
If I could joy in aught, sweet interchange 
Of hill and valle}?-, rivers, woods, and plains. 
Now land, now sea, and shores with forest 

crowned. 
Rocks, dens, and caves! but I in none of these 
Find place or refuge; and the more I see 
Pleasures about me, so much more I feel 120 

Torment within me, as from the hateful siege 
Of contraries; all good to me becomes 
Bane, and in Heaven much worse would be my 

state. 
But neither here seek I, no, nor in Heaven, 
To dwell, unless by mastering Heaven'^ Supreme; 
Nor hope to be myself less miserable 
By wh^t I seek, but others to make such 
As I, though thereby worse to me redound: 
For only in destroying I find ease 
To my relentless t h o u g n t s ; and, him 

destro3^ed, 130 

Or won to what raa^^ work his utter loss, 
For whom all this was made, all this will soom 
Follow, as to him linked in w^eal or woe; 



BOOK IX. 279 

In woe then; that destruction wide may range. 

To me shall be the glory sole among 

The infernal Powers, in one day to have marred 

What he, Almighty styled, six nights and days 

Continued making, and who knows how long 

Before had been contriving? though pefhaps 

Not longer than since I in one night freed 140 

From servitude inglorious well nigh half 

The angelic name, and thinner left the throng 

Of his adorers. He, to be avenged. 

And to repair his numbers thus impaired, 

Whether such virtue, spent of old, now failed 

More Angels to create — if the}^ at least 

Are his created — or to spoils us more. 

Determined to advance into our room 

A creature formed of earth, and him endow, 

Exalted from so base original, 150 

With heavjenly spoils, our spoils. What he decreed 

He effected; Man he made, and for him built 

Magnificent this World, and Earth his seat; 

Him lord pronounced, and, O indignity! 

Subjected to his service Angel-wings, 

And flaming ministers, to watch and tend 

Their earthly charge. Of these the vigilance 

I dread, and to elude, thus wrapt in mist 

Of midnight-vapor, glide obscure, and pry 

In every bush and brake, where hap may find 160 

The serpent sleeping, in whose mazy folds 



28o PARADISE LOST. 

To hide me, and the dark intent I bring.— 
O foul descent ! that I, who erst contended 
With Gods to sit the highest, am now constrained 
Into a beast, and, mixed with bestial slime, 
This essence to incarnate and imbrute, 
That to the highth of Deity aspired. 
But what will not ambition and revenge 
Descend to? Who aspires must down as low 
As high he soared, obnoxious first or last 170 
To basest things. Revenge, at first though sweet, 
Bitter ere long back on itself recoils. — 
Let it; I reck not, so it light well amid. 
Since higher I fall short, on him who next 
Provokes my envy, this new favorite 
Of Heaven, this man of clay, son of despite. 
Whom, us the more to spite, his Maker raised 
From dust. Spite then with spite is best repaid. ' ' 
So saying, through each thicket, dank or dry, 
lyike a black mist low-creeping, he held on 180 
His midnight search, where soonest he might find 
The serpent. Him fast sleeping soon he found, 
In labyrinth of many a round self-rolled. 
His head the midst, well stored with subtle wiles; 
Not yet in horrid shade or dismal den, 
Nor nocent yet; but on the grassy herb, 
Fearless unfeared, he slept. In at his mouth 
The Devil entered, and his brutal sense. 
In heart or head, possessing soon inspired 



BOOK IX. 281 

With act intelligential; but his sleep 190 

Disturl^ed not, waiting close the approach of morn. 

Now, when as sacred light began to dawn, 
In Eden, on the humid flowers, that breathed 
Their morning incense, when all things that 

, breathe, 
From the Earth's great altar, send up silent praise 
To the Creator, and his nostrils fill 
With grateful smell, forth came the human pair, 
And joined their vocal worship to the quire 
Of creatures wanting voice; that done, partake 
The season, prime for sweetest sents and airs. 200 
Then commune, how that day they best may ply 
Their growing work; for much their work out- 
grew 
The hands' dispatch of two, gardening so wide, 
And Eve first to her husband thus began: 

"Adam, well may we labor still to dress 
This garden, still to tend plant, herb, and flower, 
Our pleasant task enjoined; but, till more hands 
Aid us, the work under our labor grows, 
Luxurious by restraint; what we by day 
lyOp overgrown, or prune, or prop, or bind, 210 
One night or two with wanton growth derides, 
Tending to wild. Thou therefore now advise, 
Or hear what to my mind first thoughts present.— 
Let us divide our labors; thou, where choice 
Leads thee, or where most needs, whether to wind 



282 PARADISE LOST. 

The woodbine round this arbor, or direct 
The clasping ivy where to climb; while I, 
In yonder spring of roses, intermixed 
With myrtle, find what to redress till noon; 
For, while so near each other thus all day 220 
Our task we choose, what wonder if so near 
Lrooks intervene and smiles, or object new 
Casual discourse draw on! which intermits 
Our day's work, brought to little, though begun 
Karl}-, and the hour of supper comes unearned.'* 

To whom mild answer Adam thus returned: 
"Sole Eve, associate sole, to me be3'ond 
Compare above all living creatures dear! 
Well hast thou motioned, well thy thoughts 

emplo3'ed. 
How we might best fulfill the work which 

here 23c 

God hath assigned us, nor of me shalt pass 
Unpraised; for nothing lovelier can be found 
In woman, than to study household good, 
And good works in her husband to promote. 
Yet not so strictly hath our Lord imposed 
Labor, as to debar us when we need 
Refreshment, whether food, or talk between, 
Food of the mind, or ,this sweet intercourse 
Of looks and smiles; for smiles from reason flow, 
To brute denied, and are of love the food, 24c 
Love not the lowest end of human life; 



BOOK IX. 28;^ 

For not to irksome toil, but to delight, 
He made us, and delight to reason joined. 
These paths and bowers doubt not but our joint 

hands 
Will keep from wilderness with ease, as wide 
As we need walk, till younger hands ere long 
Assist us. But, if much converse perhaps 
Thee satiate, to short absence I could yield; 
For solitude sometimes is best society, 
And short retirement urges sweet return. 250 
But other doubt possesses me, lest harm 
Befall thee severed from me; for thou knowest 
What hath been warned us, what malicious foe 
Envying our happiness, and of his own 
Despairing, seeks to work us woe and shame 
By sly assault; and somewhere near at hand 
Watches, no doubt, with greed}^ hope to find, 
His wish and best advantage, us asunder; 
Hopeless to circumvent us joined, where each 
To other speedy aid might lend at need. 260 

Whether his first design be to Vv^ithdraw 
Our fealty from God, or to disturb 
Conjugal love, than which perhaps no bliss 
Enjoyed by us excites his envy more; — 
Or this, or worse, leave not the faithful side 
That gave thee being, still shades thee and 

protects. 
The wife, where danger or dishonor lurks.. 



284 PARADISE LOST. 

Safest and seemliest by her husband stays, 
Who guards her, or with her the worst endures." 

To whom the virgin-majest} of Eve, 270 

As one who loves, and some unkindness meets, 
With sweet austere composure thus replied : 

"Offspring of Heaven and Earth, and all 
Earth's lord ! 
That such an enemy we have, who seeks 
Our ruin, both by thee informed I learn, 
And from the parting Angel overheard. 
As in a shady nook I stood behind, 
Just then returned at shut of evening flowers. 
But that thoushouldst my firmness therefore doubt 
To God or thee, because we have a foe 2S0 

May tempt it, I expected not to hear. 
His violence thou fearest not, being such 
As we, not capable of death or pain, 
Can either not receive, or can repel. 
His fraud is then thy fear, which plain infers 
Thy equal fear that my firm faith and love 
Can by his fraud be shaken or seduced ; 
Thoughts, which how found they harbor in thy 

breast ? 
Adam ! misthought of her to thee so dear!" 

To whom with healing words Adam replied : 290 
"Daughter of God and Man, immortal Eve ! 
— For such thou art, from sin and blame entire— 
Not diffident of thee do I dissuade 



BOOK IX. 285 

Thy absence from my sight, but to avoid 

The attempt itself, intended by our foe. 

For he who tempts, though in vain, at least 

asperses 
The tempted with dishonor foul, supposed 
Not incorruptible of faith, not proof ' 
Against temptation. Thou thyself with scorn 
And anger wouldst resent the offered wrong, 30c 
Though ineffectual found ; misdeem not then. 
If such affront I labor to avert 
From thee alone, which on us both at once 
The Enemy, though bold, will hardly dare, 
Or daring, first on me the assault shall light. 
Nor thou his malice and false guile contemn ; 
Subtle he needs must be, who could seduce 
Angel ; nor think superfluous others' aid. 
I from the influence of thy looks receive 
Access in evC|-y virtue, in thy sight 31c 

More wise, more watchful, stronger, if need were 
Of outward strength ; while shame, thou looking on, 
Shame to be overcome or overreached, 
Would utmost vigor raise, and raised unite. 
Wh}^ shouldst not thou like sense within thee fee) 
Whem I am present, and thy trial choose 
With me, best witness of thy virtue tried ?" 

So spake domestic Adam in his care 
And matrimonial love ; but Eve, who thought 
T^ss attributed to her faith sincere, 320 



286 PARADISE L OST. 

Thus her reply with accent sweet renewed \ 

"If this be our condition, thus to dwell 
In narrow circuit straitened by a foe, 
Subtle or violent, we not endued 
Single with like defence, wherever met, 
How are we happy, still in fear of harm ? 
But harm precedes not sin. Only our foe 
Tempting affronts us with his foul esteem 
Of our integrity : his foul esteem 
Sticks no dishonor on our front, but turns 330 
Foul on himself; then wherefore shunned or feared 
By us ? who rather double honor gain 
From his surmise proved false, find peace within, 
Favor from Heaven, our witness, from the event. 
And what is faith, love, virtue unasspyed 
Alone, without exterior help sustained ? 
Let us not then suspect our happy state 
Left so imperfect by the Maker wise, 
As not secure to single or combined. 
Frail is our happiness, if this be so, 34a 

And Eden were no Eden thus exposed." 

To whom thus Adam fervently replied : 
"O Woman, best are all things as the will 
Of God ordained them; his creating hand 
Nothing imperfect or deficient left 
Of all that he created, much less Man, 
Or aught that might this happy state secure, 
Secure from outward force; within himself 



BOOK IX. ih'i 

The danger lies, yet lies within his power : 
Against his will he can receive no harm. 350 

But God left free the will, for what obe5^s 
Reason is free; and reason he made right, 
But bid her well beware, and still erect, 
I^est, by some fair-appearing good surprised, 
She dictate false, and misinform the will 
To do what God expressly hath forbid. 
Not then mistrust, but tender love, enjoins 
That I should mind thee oft, and mind thou me. 
Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve, 
Since reason not impossibly may meet 360 

Some specious object by the foe suborned, 
And fall into deception unaw^are, 
Not keeping strictest watch, as she was warned. 
Seek not temptation then, which to avoid 
Were better, and most likely it from iiie 
Thou sever not; trial will come unsought. 
Wouldst thoti approve thy constancy, approve 
First thy obedience; the other w^ho can know, 
Not seeing thee attempted? who attest? 
But if thou think trial unsought may iind 370 
Us both securer than thus warned thou seemest, 
Go; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more. 
Go in thy native innocence, rely 
On what thou hast of virtue, summon all; 
For God toward thee hath done his part; do 
thine." 



288 PARADISE LOST. 

So spake the patriarch of mrinkind, but Eve 
Persisted; 5'et submiss, though last, replied: 

' 'With thy permission then, and thus forewarned, 
Chiefly by what thy own last reasoning words 
Touched only, that our trial, when lest sought,^ 380 
May find us both perhaps far less prepared , 
The willinger I go, nor much expect 
A foe so proud will first the weaker seek; 
So bent, the more shall shame him his repulse." 

Thus saying, from her husband's hand her hand 
Soft she withdrew, /end, like a wood-iiymph light, 
Oread or Dryad, or of Delia's train, 
Betook her to the groves; but Delia's self 
In gait surpassed, and goddess-like deport. 
Though not as she with bowand quiver armed, 390 
But with such gardening-tools as yet art rude, 
Guiltless of fire, ha-d formed, or Angels brought 
To Pales, or Pomona, thus adorned, 
Likest she seemed — Pomona when she fled 
Vertumnus — or to Ceres in her prime. 
Yet virgin of Proserpina from Jove. 
Her long with ardent look his eye pursued, 
Delighted, but desiring more her stay. 
Oft he to her his charge of quick return 
Repeated; she to him as oft engaged 400 

To be returned by noon amid the bower, 
And all things in best order to invite 
Noontide repast, or afternoon's repose. 



BOOK IX. 289 

O much deceived, much failing, hapless- Eve, 

Of thy presumed return! event perverse! 

Thou never from that hour in Paradise 

Roundest either sweet repasi, or sound repose; 

Such ambush, hid among sweetflowers and shades, 

Waited, with hellish rancour imminent, 

To intercept thy way, or. send thee back 410 

Despoiled of innocence, of faith, of bliss. 

For now, and since first break of dawn, the Fiend, 

Mere serpent in appearance, forth was come; 

And on his quest where likeliest he might find 

The only two of mankind, but in them 

The whole included race, his purposed prey. 

In bower and field he sought, where an 3^ tuft 

Of grove or garden-plot more pleasant lay, 

Their tendance or plantation for delight; 

By fountain or by shady rivulet 420 

He sought them both, but wished his hap 

might find , 
Eve separate; he wished, but not with hope 
Of what so seldom chanced, when to his wis 
Beyond his hope, Eve separate he spies, 
Veiled in a cloud of fragrance, where she stood, 
Half-spied, so thick the roses bushing round 
About her glowed, oft stooping to support 
Each flower of slender stalk, whose head, though 

gay 
Carnation, purple, azure, or specked with gold, 



290 PARA D IS Pi LOST. 

Hung drooping unsustained; them she up- 
stays 430 

Gently with myrtle band, mindless the while 
Herself, though fairest unsupported flower, 
From her best prop so far, and storm so nigh 
Nearer he drew, and many a walk traversed 
Of stateliest covert, cedar, pine, or palm; 
Then voluble and bold, now hid, now seen 
Among thick-woven arborets, and flowers 
Imbordered on each bank, the hand of Eve: 
Spot more delicious than those gardens feigned 
Or of revived Adonis, or renowned 440 

Alcinoiis, host of old I^aertes' son, 
Or that, not mystic, where the sapient king 
Held dalliance with his fair Egyptian spouse: 
Much he the place admired, the person more. 
As one, who long in populous city pent, 
Where houses thick and sewers annoy the air, 
Forth issuing on a summer's morn, to breathe 
Among the pleasant villages and farms 
Adjoined, from each thing met conceives delight, 
The smell of grain, or tedded grass, or kine, 450 
Or dairy, each rural sight, each rural sound; 
If chance with n5^mphlike step fair virgin pass, 
What pleasing seemed for her now pleases more, 
She most, and in her look sums all delight: 
Such pleasure took the Serpent to behold 
This flowery plat, the sweet recess of Eve, 



BOOK IX. 291 

Thus early, thus alone. Her heavenly form 
Angelic, -but more soft and feminine, 
Her graceful innocence, her every air 
Of gesture or least action overawed 460 

His malice, and with rapine sweet bereaved 
His fierceness of the fierce intent tTbrought. 
That space the Evil-one abstracted stood 
From his own evil, and for the time remained 
Stupidly good, of enmity disarmed, 
Of guile, of hate, of envy, of revenge. 
But the hot hell that always in him burns. 
Though in mid-Heaven, soon ended his delight, 
And tortures him now more, the more he sees 
Of pleasure not for him ordained. Then soon 470 
Fierce hate he recollects, and all his thoughts 
Of mischief, gratulating, thus excites : 

' 'Thoughts, whither have ye led me ? with what 
sweet 
Compulsion tlius transported to forget 
What hither brought us ? hate, not love, nor hope 
Of Paradise for Hell, hope here to taste 
Of pleasure, but all pleasure to destroy. 
Save what is in destroying; other joy 
To me is lost. Then let me not let pass 
Occasion which now" smiles. Behold alone 480 
The w^oman, opportune to all attempts. 
Her husband, for I view far round, not nigh, 
Whose higher intellectual more I shun, 



292 PARADISE LOST. 

And strength, of courage liaught}^, and of limb 

Heroic built, though of terrestrial mould 

Foe not informidable, exempt from wound, 

I not; so much hath Hell debased, and pain 

Enfeebled me, to what I was in Heaven. 

She fair, divinely fair, fit love for Gods, 

Not terrible, though terror be in love, 49G 

And beauty, not approached by stronger hate, 

Hate stronger under shew of love well feigned, 

The way which to her ruin now I tend. ' ' 

So spake the Enemy of Mankind, enclosed 
In serpent, inmate bad, and toward Eve 
Addressed his way; not with indented wave, 
Prone on the ground, as since, but on his rear. 
Circular base of rising folds, that towered 
Fold above fold, a surging maze, his head 
Crested aloft, and carbuncle his eyes, 500 

With burnished neck of verdant gold, erect 
Amidst his circling spires, that on the grass 
Floated redundant. Pleasing was his shape 
And lovely, never since of serpent-kind 
Lovelier; not those that in lUyria changed 
Hermione and Cadmus, or the god 
In Epidaurus; nor to which transfoi med 
Ammonian Jove, or Capitoliile, was seen, 
He with Olympias, this with her who bore 
Scipio, the highth of Rome. With tract oblique 
At first, as one who sought apcess but feared 511 



BOOK IX. 293 

To interrupt, sidelong he works his way. 
As when a ship b}^ skilful steersman wrought, 
Nigh river's mouth or foreland, where the wind 
Veers oft, as oft so steers, and shifts her sail : 
So varied he, and of his tortuous train 
Curled many a wanton wreath, in sight of Eve 
To lure her eye. She, busied, heard the sound 
Of rustling leaves, but minded not, as used 
To such disport before her through the field, 520 
From every beast, more duteous at her call. 
Than at Circean call the herd disguised. 
He, bolder now, uncalled before her stood, 
But as in gaze admiring : oft he bowed 
His turret-crest and sleek enamelled neck, 
Fawning, and licked the ground whereon she trod. 
His gentle dumb expression turned at length 
The eye of Eve to mark his play; he, glad 
Of "her attention gained, with serpent-tongue 
Organic, or impulse of vocal air, 530 

His fraudulent temptation thus began : 

"Wonder not, sovran mistress— if perhaps 
Thou canst, who art sole wonder — much less arm 
Thy looks, the heaven of mildness, with disdain, 
Displeased that I approach thee thus, and gaze 
Insatiate, I thus single, nor have feared 
Thy awful brow, more awful thus retired. 
Fairest resemblance of thy Maker fair! 
Tiiee all things living gaze on, all things thine 



294 PARADISE LOST. 

By gift, and thy celestial beauty adore, 540 

With ravishment beheld, there best beheld 

Where universally admired But here, 

In this enclosure wild, these beasts among. 

Beholders rude, and shallow to discern 

Half what in thee is fair, one man except 

Who sees thee? — and what is one? — who shouldst 

be seen 
A Goddess among Gods, adored and served , 

By Angels numberless, thy daily train." 
So glozed the Tempter, and his proem tuned: 
Into the heart of Eve his words made way, 550 
Though at the voice much marvelling; at length. 
Not unamazed, she thus in answer sj^ke: 

"What may this mean? language of Man pro- 
nounced 
By tongue of brute, and human sense expressed ! 
The first at least of these I thought denied 
To beasts, whom God on their creation-da)^ 
Created mute to all articulate sound; 
The latter I demur, for in their looks . 
Much reason, and in their actions, oft appears. 
Thee, Serpent, subtlest beast of all the field 560 
I knew, but not with human voice endued. 
Redouble then this miracle, and say. 
How earnest thou speakable of mute, and how 
To me so friendly grown above the rest 
Of brutal kind, that daily are in sight; 



BOCK IX. 295 

Say, for such wonder claims attention due." 

To whom the guileful, Tempter thus replied: 
"Kmpress of this fair world, resplendent Kve ! 
Easy to me it is to tell thee all 
What thou commandest, and right thou shouldst 
be obeyed. 570 

I was at first, as other beasts that graze 
The trodden herb, of abject thoughts and low, 
As was my food; nor aught but food discerned 
Or sex, and apprehended nothing high: 
Till on a day, roving the field, I chanced 
A goodly tree far distant to behold, 
Loaden with fruit of fairest colors mixed, 
Ruddy and gold. I nearer drew to gaze; 
When from the boughs a savory odor blown, 
Grateful to appetite, more pleased my sense 580 
Than sniell of sweetest fennel, or the teats 
Of ewe or goat, dropping with milk at even, 
Unsucked of lamb or kid, that tend their play. 
To satisfy the sharp desire I had 
Of tasting those fair apples I resolved 
Not to defer; hunger and thirst at once. 
Powerful persuaders, quickened at the sent 
Of that alluring fruit, urged me so keen. 
About the moilsy trunk I wound me soon; 
For, high from ground, the branches would require 
Thy utmost reach or Adam's: round the tree 591 
All other beasts that saw, with like desire 



296 PARADISE LOST. 

lyOnging and envying, stood, but could not reach. 

Amid the tree now got, where plenty hung 

Tempting so nigh, to pluck and eat my fill 

I spared not, for such pleasure till that hour 

At feed or fountain never had I found. 

Sated at length, ere long I might perceive 

Strange alteration in me, to degree 

Of reason in my inward powers, and speech 600 

Wanted not long, though to this shape retained. 

Thenceforth to speculations high or deep 

I turned ni}^ thoughts, and with capacious mind 

Considered all things visible in heaven, 

Or earth, or middle, all things fair and good. 

But all that fair and good in thy divine 

Semblance, and in thy beauty's heavenlj^ raj^ 

United I beheld; no fair to thine 

Equivalent or second! which compelled 

Me thus, though importune perhaps, to come 610 

And gaze, and worship thee of right declared 

v'^ovran of creatures, universal Dame!" 

So talked the spirited sly Snake, and Eve, 
Yet more amazed, unwary thus replied: 
''Serpent, thy overpraising leaves in doubt 
The virtue of that fruit, in thee first proved. 
But say, where grows the tree? froln hence how 

far? 
For many are the trees of God that grow 
In Paradise, and various, 3'et unknown 



BOOK iX. 297 

To us, in sncli abundance lies our choice, 620 
As leaves a greater store of fruit untouched, 
Still hanging incorruptible, till men 
Grow up to their provision, and mere hands 
Help to disburden Nature of her birth." 

To whom the wily Adder, blithe and glad: 
''Empress, the way is ready, and not long; 
Bej^ond a row of myrtles, on a flat. 
Fast by a fountain, one small thicket past 
Of blowing m3^rrh and balm. If thou accept 
My conduct, I can bring thee thither soon." 630 
"lycad then," said Eve. He leading swiftly 

rolled 
In tangles, and made intricate seem straight, 
To mischief swift: hope elevates, and joy 
Brightens his crest. As when a wandering fire, 
Compact of unctuous vapor, which the night 
Condenses, and the cold environs round, 
Kindled through agitation to a flame 
— Which oft, the}^ say, some evil spirit attends — • 
Hovering and blazing with delusive light, 639 
Misleads the amazed night-wanderer from his 

way, 
To bogs and mires, and oft through pond or pool; 
There swallowed up and lost, from succour far: 
So glistered the dire Snake, and into fraud 
Led Eve, our credulous mother, to the tree 
Of prohibition, root of all our woe; 



298 PARADISE LOST. 

Which when she saw, thus to her guide she 
spake: 

''Serpent, we might have spared our coming 
hither, 
Fruitless to me, though fruit be here to excess, 
The credit of whose virtue rest with thee; 
Wondrous indeed, if cause of such effects. 650 
But of this tree we may not taste nor touch; 
God so commanded, and left that command 
Sole daughter of his voice: the rest, we live 
Law to ourselves; our reason is our law." 

To whom the Tempter guilefully replied: 
''Indeed! Hath bod then said that of the fruit 
Of all these garden-trees ye shall not eat, 
Yet lords declared of all in earth or air?" 

To whom thus Eve, yet sinless: — "Of the fruit 
Of each tree in the garden we may eat; 660 

But of the fruit of this fair tree, amidst 
The garden, God hath said, 'Ye shall not eat 
Thereof, nor shall ye touch it, lest 3^e die.' " 

She scarce had said, though brief, when now 
more bold 
The Tempter, but with shew of zeal and love 
To Man, and indignation at his wrong, 
New part puts on; and, as to passion moved. 
Fluctuates disturbed, yet comely, and in act 
Raised, as of some great matter to begin. 
As when of old some orator renowned, 670 



BOOK IX. 299 

« 

In Athens or free Rome, where eloquence 
Flourished, since mute, to some great cause 

addressed, 
Stood in himself collected; while each part, 
Motion, each act, won audience ere the tongue; 
Sometimes in highth began, as no delay 
Of preface brooking, through his zeal of right: 
So standing, moving, or to highth up-grown, 
The Tempter, all impassioned, thus began: 

"O sacred, wise, and wisdom-giving plant, 
Mother of science ! now I feel thy power 6^0 

Within me clear, not only to discern 
Things in their causes, but to trace the ways 
Of highest agents, deemed however wise. 
Queen of this Universe ! do not believe 
Those rigid threats of death. Ye shall not die. 
How should you ? by the fruit ? it gives you life 
To knowledge; by the threatener ? look on me, 
Me who have touched and tasted, yet both live, 
And life more perfect have attained than Fate 
Meant me, by venturing higher than my lot. 6r<7 
Shall that be shut to Man, which to the beast 
Is open ? or will God incense his ire 
For such a petty trepass ? and not praise 
Rathdr your dauntless virtue? whom the pain 
Of death denounced — whatever thing death be ' 
Deterred not from achieving what might lead 
To happier life, knowledge of good and evil; 



300 PARADISE LOST. 

Of good, how just ? of evil . . . if what is evil 
Be real, \rhy not known, since easier shunned ? 
God therefore cannot hurt ye, and be just; 700 
Not just, not God; not feared then, nor obeyed: 
Your fear itself of death removes the fear. 
Why then was this forbid ? Why, but to awe? 
Why, but to keep ye low and ignorant. 
His worshipers ? He knows that, in the day 
Ye eat thereof, your eyes, that seem so clear, 
Yet are but dim, shall perfectly be then 
Opened and cleared, and ye shall be as Gods, 
Knowing both good and evil, as they know. 
That ye shall be as Gods, since I as Man, 710 
Internal Man, is but proportion meet; 
I, of brute, human; ye, of human, Gods. 
So ye shall die perhaps, by putting off 
Human, to put on Gods; death to be wished. 
Though threatened, which no worse than this can 

bring. 
And what are Gods, that Man may not become 
As they, participating godlike food ? . 
The Gods are first, and that advantage use 
On our belief, that all from them proceeds. 
I question it; for this fair earth I see, 720 

Warmed by the sun, producing ever}^ kind, 
Them nothing. If they all things, who e:*^^-o«e(i 
Knowledge of good and evil in this tree, 
That whoso eats thereof forthwith i ittains 



BOOK IX. 30X 

Wisdom without their leave ? and wherein lies 

The offence, that Man should thus attain to know? 

What can your knowledge hurt him, or this tree 

Impart against his will, if all be his ? 

Or is it envy ? and can envy dwell 

In heavenly breasts ? — These, these, and many 

more 730 

Causes import your need of this fair fruit 
Goddess humane, reach then, and freely taste !" 

He ended, and his words, replete with guile. 
Into her heart too easy entrance won. 
Fixed on the fruit she gazed, which to behold 
Might tempt alone, and in her ears the sound 
Yet rung of his persuasive words, impregned 
With reason, to her seeming, and with truth. 
Meanwhile the hour of noon drew on, and waked 
An eager appetite, raised by the smell 740 

So savorj^ of that fruit, which with desire, 
Inclinable now grown to touch or taste, 
Solicited her longing eye; j^et, first 
Pausing awhile, thus to herself she mused: 

''Great are thy virtues, doubtless, best of fruits, 
Though kept from Man, and worthy to be 

admired; 
Whose taste, too long forborne, at first assay 
Gave elocution to the mute, and taught 
The tongue not made for speech to speak thy 

praise. 



302 PARADISE LOST. 

Thy praise he also who forbids thy use 750 

Conceals not from us, naming thee the Tree 

Of Knowledge, knowledge both of good and evil; 

Forbids us then to taste, but his forbidding 

Commends thee more, while it infers the good 

By thee communicated, and our want; 

For good unknown sure is not had; or had. 

And yet unknowm, is as not had at all. 

In plain then, what forbids he but to know? 

Forbids us good, forbids us to be wise. 

Such prohibitions bind not. But if death 760 

Bind, us with after-band, what profits then 

Our inward freedom? In the day we eat 

Of this fair fruit, our doom is, we shall die. 

How dies the Serpent ? He hath eaten and lives, 

And knows, and speaks, and reasons, and 

discerns. 
Irrational till then. For us alone 
Was death invented ? or to us denied 
This intellectual food, for beasts reserved ? 
For beasts it seems; yet that one beast, which first 
Hath tasted, envies not, but brings with joy 770 
The good befall ep him, author unsuspect, 
Friendly to man, far from deceit or guile. 
What fear I then ? rather, what know to fear 
Under this ignorance of good and evil. 
Of God or death, of law or penalty ? 
Here grows the cure of all, this fruit divine, 



BOOK IX. 303 

Fair to the eye, inviting to the taste, 

Of virtue to make wise. What hinders then 

To reach, and feed at once both body and mind ? " 

So saying, her rash hand in evil hour . 780 
Forth reaching to the fruit, she plucked, she eat. 
Earth felt the wound, and Nature from her seat, 
Sighing through all her works, gave signs of woe, 
That all was lost. Back to the thicket slunk 
The guilty Serpent; and well might, for Eve, 
Intent now wholly on her taste, nought else 
Regarded; such delight till then, as seemed, p 
In fruit she never tasted; whether true 
Or fancied so, through expectation high 
Of knowledge; nor was Godhead from her 

thought. 
Greedily shj^ ingorged without restraint, 791 

And knew not eating death. Satiate at length, 
And hightened as with wine, jocund and boon, 
Thus to herself she pleasingly began: 

"O sovran, virtuous, precious of all trees 
In Paradise! of operation blest 
To sapience, hitherto obscured, infamed, 
And \h.y fair fruit let hang, as to no end 
Created ! but henceforth my earl}^ care, 
Not without song, each morning, and due 
praise, 800 

Shall tend thee, and the fertile burden ease 
Of thy full branches, offered free to all; 



304 PARADISE LOST. 

Till, dieted by thee, I grow mature 

In knowledge, as the Gods, who all things know. 

Though others envy what they cannot give .... 

For had the gift been theirs, it had not here 

Thus grown. Experience, next, to thee I owe. 

Best guide; not following thee, I had remained 

In ignorance; thou openest Wisdom's way. 

And givest access, though secret she retire. Cio 

And I perhaps am secret. Heaven is high, 

High, and remote to see from thence distinct 

Each thing on Earth; and other care perhaps 

May have diverted from continual watch 

Our great Forbidder, safe with all his spies 

About him. But to Adam in what sort 

Shall I appear ? shall I to him make known 

As yet my change, and give him to partake 

Full happiness with me, or rather not. 

But keep the odds of knowledge in my power, 820 

Without copartner ? so to add what wants 

In female sex, the more to draw his love. 

And render me more equal, and perhaps, 

A thing not undesirable, sometime 

Superior; for inferior who is free? 

This may be well. — But what if God have seen, 

And death ensue ? then I shall be no more, 

And Adam, wedded to another Eve, 

Shall live with her enjo3'ing, I extinct; 

A death to think! Confirmed then I resolve, 830 



BOOK IX. 305 

Adam shall share with me in bliss or woe. 
So dear I love him, that with him all deaths 
I could endure, without him live no life." 

So saying, from the tree her step she turned; 
But first low reverence done, as to the Power 
That dwelt within, whose presence had infused 
Into the plant sciential sap, derived 
From nectar, drink of Gods. Adam the while, 
Waiting desirous her return, had wove 
Of choicest flowers a garland, to adorn 84c 

Her tresses, and her rural labors crown, 
As reapers oft are wont their harvest-queen. 
Great joy he promised to his thoughts, and new 
Solace in her return, so long delayed : 
Yet oft his heart, divine of something ill, 
Misgave him; he the faltering measure felt. 
And forth to meet her went, the way she took 
That morn when Ihey first parted. By the Tree 
Of Knowledge he must pass, there he her met, 
Scarce from the tree returning; in her hand 850 
A bough of fairest fruit, that downy smiled, 
New gathered, and ambrosial smell diffused. 
To him she hasted; in her face Excuse 
Came prologue, and apology to prompt, 
Which, with bland words at will, she thus 
addressed : 

"Hast thou not wondered Adam, at my stay? 
Thee I have missed, and thought it long, deprived 



3o6 PARADISE LOST. 

Thy presence; agony of love till now 
Not felt, nor shall be twice; for never more 
Mean I to try, what rash untried I sought, 860 
The pain of absence from thy sight. But strange 
Hath been the cause, and wonderful to hear. 
This tree is not, as we are told, a tree 
Of danger tasted, nor to evil unknown 
Opening the way, but of divine effect 
To open eyes, and make them Gods who taste; 
And hath been tasted such. The Serpent wise, 
Or not restrained as we, or not obeying, 
Hath eaten of the fruit, and is become, 
Not dead, as we are threatened, but thence- 
forth 870 
Endued with human voice and human sense, 
Reasoning to admiration, and with me 
Persuasively hath so prevailed, that I 
Have also tasted, and have also found 
The effects to correspond; opener mine eyes, 
Dim erst, dilated spirits, ampler heart, 
And growing up to Godhead; which for thee 
Chiefly I sought, without thee can despise: 
For bliss, as thou hast part, to me is bliss; 
Tedious, unshared with thee, and odious soon. 880 
Thou therefore also taste, that equal lot 
May join us, equal joy, as equal love; 
Lest, thou not tasting, different degree 
Disjoin us, and I then too late renounce 



BOOK IX. 307 

Deity for thee, when Fate will not permit." 

Thus Eve with countenance blithe her story told; 
But in her cheek distemper flushing glowed. 
On the other side, A^am, soon as he heard 
The fatal trespass done by Eve, amazed, 
Astonied stood and blank, while horror chill 890 
Ran through his veins, and all his joints relaxed. 
From his slack hand the garland wreathed for Eve 
Down dropped, and all the faded roses shed. 
Speechless he stood and pale, till thus at length 
First to himself he inward silence broke: 

"O fairest of creation, last and best 
Of all God's works, creature iu~whom excelled 
Whatever can to sight or thought be formed, 
Holy, divine, good, amiable, or sweet! 
How art thou lost! how on a sudden lost, 900 
Defaced, deflowered, and now to death devote ! 
Rather, how hast thou yielded to transgress 
The strict forbiddance, how to violate 
The sacred fruit forbidden ! Some cursed fraud 
Of enemy had beguiled thee, 3^et unknown, 
And me with thee hath ruined; for with thee 
Certain my resolution is to die. 
How can I live without thee! how forgo 
Thy sweet converse, and love so dearly joined/ 
To live again in these wnld woods forlorn 1 910 
Should God create another Eve, and I 
Another rib afford, yet loss of thee 



3o8 PARADISE LOST, 

Would never from my heart. No no! I feel 
The link of nature draw me: flesh of flesh, 
Bone of my bone thou art, and from thy state 
Mine never shall be parted, bliss or woe. ' ' 

So having said, as one from sad dismay 
Recomforted, and, after thoughts disturbed, 
Submitting to what seemed remxediless, 
Thus in calm mood his words to Eve he turned: 920 

"Bold deed thou hast presumed, adventurous 
Eve, 
And peril great provoked, who thus hast dared. — 
Had it been ovXy coveting to eye 
That sacred fruit, sacred to abstinence. 
Much more to taste it under ban to touch . . . 
But past who can recall, or done undo? 
Not God omnipotent, nor Fate. Yet so 
Perhaps thou shalt not die, perhaps the fact 
Is not so heinous now, foretasted fruit, 
Profaned first by the Serpent, by him first 930 
Made common and unhallowed, ere our taste, 
Nor yet on him found deadly; j^et he lives; 
Lives, as thou saidst, and gains to live, as Man, 
Higher degree 01 life; inducement strong 
To us, as likely tasting to attain 
Proportional ascent; which cannot be 
But to be Gods, or Angels, demi-gods. 
Nor can I think that God, Creator wise, 
Though threatening, will in earnest so destroy 



BOOK IX. 



309 



Us his pripie creatures, dignified so high, 940 

Set over all his works, which, in our fall, 

For us created, needs with us must fail, 

Dependent made; so God shall uncreate. 

Be frustrate, do, undo, and labor lose; 

Not well conceived of God, who, though his power 

Creation could repeat, yet would be loth 

Us to abolish, lest thei'^ Adversary 

Triumph and say: 'Fickle their state whom God 

Most favors; who can please him long ? Me first 

He ruined, now mankind; whom will he next?' 950 

Matter of scorn, not to be given the Foe. — 

However I with thee have fixedrmy lot. 

Certain to undergo like doom; if death 

Consort with thee, death is to me as life : 

So forcible within my heart I feel 

The bond of Nature draw me to my own ; 

M}^ own in thee, for what thou art is mine. 

Our state cannot be severed; we are one, 

One flesh; to lose thee were to lose myself" 

So Adam, and thus Eve to him replied: 960 
"O glorious trial of exceeding love. 
Illustrious evidence, example high ! 
Engaging me to emulate; but, short 
Of thy perfection, how shall I attain ? 
Adam ! from whose dear side I boast me sprung 
And gladl}^ of our union hear thee speak. 
One heart, one soul in both; whereof good prooi' 



3IO PARADISE LOST. 

This day affords, declaring thee resolved, 

Rather than death, or aught than death more dread. 

Shall separate us, linked in love so dear, 970 

To undergo with me one guilt, one crime, 

If any be, of tasting this fair fruit; 

Whose virtue — for of good still good proceeds 

Direct, or by occasion — hath presented 

This happy trial of thy love, which else 

So eminently never had been known. 

Were it I thought death menaced would ensue 

This my attempt, I would sustain alone 

The worst, and not pursuade thee, rather die 

Deserted, than oblige thee with a fact 980 

Pernicious to thy peace; chiefly assured 

Remarkably so late of thy so true. 

So faithful, love unequaled; but I feel 

Far otherwise the event; not death, but life 

Augmented, opened eyes, new hopes, new joys, 

Taste so divine, that what of sweet before 

Hath touched my sense flat seems to this, and 

harsh. 
On my experience, Adam, freely taste. 
And fear of death deliver to the winds." 

So saying, she embraced hin^, and for joy' 990 
Tenderly wept; much won, that he his love 
Had so ennobled, as of choice to incur 
Divine displeasure for her sake, or death. 
In recompense — for such compliance bad 



BOOK IX. 311 

Such recompense bCvSt merits — from the bough 
She gave him of that fair enticing fruit 
With liberal hand. He scrupled not to eat, 
Against his better knowledge; not deceived, 
But fondly overcome with female charm. 
Earth trembled from her entrails, as again 1000 
In pangs, and Nature gave a second groan; 
Sky loured, and, muttering thunder, some sad 

drops 
Wept at completing of the mortal sin 
Original; while Adam took no thought, 
Eating his fill, nor Eve to iterate 
Her former trespass feared, jthe. more to soothe 
Him with her loved society; that now. 
As with new wine intoxicated both, 
They swim in mirth, and fancy that they feel 
Divinity within them breeding wings, loio 

Wherewith to scorn the earth. But that false fruit 
Far other operation first displayed. 
Carnal desire inflaming; he on Eve 
Began to cast lasc' ' ^as eyes; she him 
As wantonly repaid; in lust they burn, 
Till Adam thus 'gan Eve to dalliance move: 

'*Eve, nov/ I see thou are exact of taste 
And elegant, of sapience no small part; 
Since to each meaning savor we apply, 
And palate call judicious. I the praise 1020 

Yield thee, so well this day thou hast purveyed. 



312 PARADISE LOST. 

Much pleasure we have lost, while we abstained 

From this delightful fruit, nor known till now 

True relish, tasting. If such pleasure be 

In things to us forbidden, it might be wished 

For this one tree had been forbidden ten. 

But come, so well refreshed, now let us play. 

As meet is, after such delicious fare; 

For never did thy beauty, since the daj^ 

I saw thee first and wedded thee, adorned 103-0 

With all perfections, so inflame \\\y sense 

With ardor to enjoy thee, fairer now 

Than ever, bounty of this virtuous tree! " 

So said he, and forbore not glance or toy 
Of amorous intent, well understood 
Of Bve, whose eye darted contagious fire. 
Her hand he seized, and to a shady bank, 
Thick overhead with verdant roof imbowered, 
He led her nothing loth; flowers were the couch, 
Pansies and violets, and asphodel, 1040 

And hyacinth, earth's freshest softest lap. 
There they their fill of love and love's disport 
Took largely, of their mutual guilt the seal, 
The solace of their sin; till dewy sleep 
Oppressed them, wearied with their amorous play. 
Soon as the force of that fallacious fruit, 
That with exhilarating vapor bland 
About their spirits had played, and inmost powers 
Made err, was now exhaled, and grosser sleep, 



BOOK IX. 313 

Bred of unkindly fumes, with conscious 
dreams 1050 

Incumbered, now had left them, up they rose 
As from unrest, and, each the other viewing, 
Soon found their eyes how opened, and their 

minds 
How darkened. Innocence, that as a veil 
Had shadowed them from knowing ill, was gone; 
Just confidence, and native righteousness. 
And honor, from about them, naked left 
To guilty Shame; he covered, but his robe 
Uncovered more. So rose the Danite strong, 
Herculean Samson from the harlot-lap 1060 

Of Philistean Dalilah, and waked 
Shorn of his strength; they destitute and bare 
Of all their virtue. Silent, and in face 
Confounded, long they sat, as strucken mute; 
Till Adam, though not less than Eve abashed, 
At length gave utterahce to these words con- 
strained: 
"O Eve, in evil hour thou didst give ear 
To that false worm, of whomsoever taught 
To counterfeit Man's voice, true in our fall, 
False in our promised rising; since our eyes 107c 
Opened we find indeed, and find we know 
Both good and evil, good lost, and evil got; 
Bad fruit of knowledge, if this be to know, 
Which leaves us naked thus, of honor void, 



314 PARADISE LOST. 

Of innocence, of faith, ofpuritj^ 

Our wonted ornaments now soiled and stained, 

And in our faces evident the signs 

Of foul concupiscence; whence evil store, 

Even shame, the last of evils; of the first 

Be sure then. How shall I behold the face 1080 

Henceforth of God or Angel, erst with joy 

And rapture so oft beheld? Those heavenly shape?^ 

Will dazzle now this earthly with their blaze 

Insufferably bright. Oh, might I here 

In solitude live savage, in some glade 

Obscured, where highest woods, impenetrable 

To star or sun-light, spread their umbrage broad, 

And brown as evening! Cover me, ye pines! 

Ye cedars, with innumerable boughs 

Hide me, where I may never see them more! — 1090 

But let us now, as in bad plight, devise 

What best may for the present serve to hide 

The parts of each from other, that seem most 

To shame obnoxious, and unseemliest seen; 

Some tree, whose broad smooth leaves together 

sewed, 
And girded on our loins, may cover round 
Those middle parts, that this newrcomer. Shame, 
There sit not, and reproach us as unclean." 
So counselled he, and both together went 
Into the thickest wood; there soon they chose 1 100 
The fig-tree; not that kind for fruit renowned, 



BOOK IX. 315 

But such as at this da)- , to Indians known, 
In Malabar or Decan spreads her arms 
Branching so broad and long, that in the ground 
The bended twigs take root, and daughters grow 
About the mother-tree, a pillared shade, 
High overarched, and echoing walks between : 
There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat 
Shelters in cool, and tends his pasturing herds, 
At loopholes cut through thickest shade. Those 

leaves ) 

They gathered, broad as Amazouian targe; mi 
And, with what skill they h^d^, together sewed. 
To gird their waist; vain covering, if to hide 
Their guilt and dreaded shamel Oh how unlike 
To that first naked glory ! Such of late 
Columbus found the American, so girt 
With feathered cincture, naked else and wild. 
Among the trees on isles and woody shores. 
Thus fenced, and, as they thought, their shame 

in part 
Covered, but not at rest or ease of mind, 1 120 
They sat them down to weep; nor only tears 
Rained at their eyes, but high winds worse within 
Began to rise, high passions, anger, hate. 
Mistrust, suspicion, discord, and shook sore 
Their inward state of mind, calm region once 
And full of peace, now tost and turbulent : 
For Understanding ruled not, and the Will 



t,i6 PARADISE LOST. 

Heard not her lore, both in subjection now 
To sensual Appetite, who from beneath 
Usurping-over sovran Reason claimed 1130 

Superior sway. Fr'om thus distempered breast, 
Adam, estranged in look and altered style, 
Speech intermitted thus to Eve renewed : 

"Would thou hadst hearkened to my words, and 
stayed 
With me, as I besought thee, when that strange 
Desire of wandering, this unhappy morn, 
I know not whence possessed thee; we had then 
Remained still happy; not, as now, despoiled 
Of all our good, shamed, naked, miserable! 
Let none henceforth seek needless cause to ap- 
prove 
The faith they owe; when earnestly they seek 1 141 
Such proof, conclude they then begin to fail." 
To whom, soon moved with touch of blame, 
thus Eve: 
"What words have passed thy lips, Adam severe? 
Imputest thou that to my default, or will 
Of wandering, as thoucallestit, which who knows 
But might as ill have happened thou being by, 
Or to thyself perhaps ? Hadst thou been there, 
Or here the attempt, thou couldst not have 

discerned 
PVaud in the Serpent, speaking as he spake; 1 150 
No ground of enmity between us known, 



BOOK IX. 317 

Why he should mean me ill, or seek to harm. 
Was I to have never parted from thy side ? 
As good have grown there still a lifeless rib. 
Being as I am, wh}^ didst not thouj the head, 
Command me absolutely not to go ? 
Going into such danger, as then saidst. 
Too facile then, thou didst not much gainsay, 
Sa}^, didst permit, approve, and fair dismiss. 
Hadst thou been firm and fixed in tl^y dissent, i i6c 
Neither had I transgressed, nor thdu with me." 
To whom, then first incensed, Adam replied: 
"Is this the love ? is this the recompense 
Of mine to thee, in grateful Bve, expressed 
Immutable when thou wert lost, not I ? 
Who might have lived, and joyed immortal bliss, 
Yet willingly chose rather death with thee. 
And am I now upbraided as the cause 
Of thy transgressing ? not enough severe. 
It seems, in thy restraint. What could I more? 1 17a 
I warned thee, I admonished jthee, foretold 
The danger, and the lurking enemy 
That lay in wait; beyond this had been force, 
And force upon free will hath here no place. 
But confidence then bore thee on, vsecure 
Hither to meet no danger, or to find 
Matter of glorious trial; and perhaps 
I also erred, in overmuch admiring 
What seemed in thee so perfect, that I thought 



3i8 PARADISE LOST. 

No evil durst attempt thee; but I rue 1180 

That error now, which is become my crime, 
Aud thou the accuser. Thus it shall befall 
Him who, to worth in women overtrusting, 
Lets her will rule; restraint she will not brook, 
And, left to herself, if evil thence ensue, 
She first his weak indulgence will accuse." 

Thus they in mutual accusation spent 
The fruitless hours, but neither self-condemning 
And of their vain contest appeared xm ^sd. 



PARADISE LOST. 

BOOK X. 

THE ARGUMENT. 



Man's transgression know, the g"iiardian Angels ior* 
sake Paradise, and return up to HeaVen to approve 
their vigilance, and are approved; God /declaring that 
the entrance of ISatan could not be by thein prevented. 
He sends his Son to judge the transgressors, who de- 
scends and gives sentence accordingly: then in pity 
clothes them both, and reascends. yin and Death 
sitting till then at the gates of Hell, by wondrous 
sympathy feeling the success of Satan in this nev/ 
world, and the sin by Man there committed, resolve 
to sit no long'er confined in Hell, but to follow Satan 
their sire up to the place of Man: to make the way 
easier from Hell to this world to and fro, they pave a 
broad high-way or bridg'e over Chaos, according* to the 
track that Satan first made; then preparing for Earth, 
they meet him proud of his success returning to Hell; 
their mutual gratulation. Satan arrives at Pande- 
monium, in full assembly relates with boasting his 
success against Man; instead of applause is enter- 
tained with a general hiss by all his audience, trans- 
formed with himself also suddenly into serpents, 
according to his doom given in Paradise; then, deluded 
with a show of the forbidden tree springing up before 
them, they, g'reedily reaching- to take of the fruit, 
chew dust and bitter ashes. The proceedings of Sin 
and Death; God fortels the final victory of his Son 
over them, and the renewing of all things; but for the 
present commands his Angels to make several altera- 



320 PARADISE LOST. 

tions in the heavens and elements. Adam more and 
more perceiving- his fallen condition heavily bewails, 
rejects the condolement of Eve; she persists, and at 
length appeases him: then, to evade the curse likely 
to fall on their offspring, proposes to adopt violent 
ways, which he approves not; but con3eiving better 
hope, puts her in mind of the late promise made them, 
that her seed should be revenged on the Serpent, and 
exhorts her with him to seek peace of the offended 
Deity, by repentance and supplication. 

Meanwhile the heinous and despiteful act . 

Of Satan done in Paradise, and how 

He in the Serpent had perverted Eve, 

Her husband she, to taste the fatal fruit, 

Was known in Heaven ; for what can ' scape the eye 

Of God all-seeing, or deceive his heart 

Omniscient? who, in all things wise and just, 

Hindered not Satan to attempt the mind 

Of Man, with strength entire, and free-will armed 

Complete to have discovered and repulsed lo 

Whatever wiles of foe or seeming friend. 

For still they knew, and ought to have still 

remembered 
The high injunction not to taste that fruit, 
Whoever tempted; which they not obeying, 
Incurred— what could they less?— the penalty; 
And, manifold in sin, deserved to fall. 

Up into Heaven from Paradise in haste 
The angelic guards ascended, mute and sad 
For Man; for of his state by this they knew. 



BOOK X. 321 

Much wondering how the subtle Fiend had 
stolen 20 

Entrance unseen. Soon as the unwelcome news 
From Earth arrived at Heaven-gate, displeased 
All were who heard; dim sadness did not sj^are 
That time celestial visages, yet, mixed 
With pity, violated not their bliss. 
About the new-arrived in multitudes 
The ethereal people ran, to hear and know 
How all befell. They toward the throne supreme, 
Accountable, made haste to make appear 
With righteous plea their utmost vigilance, 30 
And easily approved; when the Most High 
Eternal Father, from his secret cloud 
Amidst, in thunder uttered thus his voice: 

"Assembled Angels, and ye Powers returned 
From unsuccessful charge, be not dismayed, 
Nor troubled at these tidings from the Earth, 
Which youf sincerest care could not prevent; 
Foretold so lateh^ what would come to pass, 
When first this Tempter crossed the gulf from 

Hell. 
I told 3-e then he should prevail, and speed 40 
On his bad errand; Man should be seduced 
And flattered out of all, believing lies 
Against his Maker, no decree of mine 
Concurring to necessitate his fall, 
Or touch with lightest moment of impulse 



322 PARADISE LOST. 

His free-will, to her own inclining left 
In even scale. But fallen lie is; and now 
What rests, but that the mortal sentence pass 
On his transgression, death denounced that day ? 
Which he persumes already vain and void, 50 
Because not yet inflicted, as he feared. 
By some immediate stroke; but soon shall find 
Forbearance no acquittance, ere day end: 
Justice shall not return, as Bounty, scorned. 
But whom send I to judge them ? whom but thee, 
Vicegerent Son ? To thee I have transferred 
All judgement, whether in Heaven, or Earth, or 

Hell. 
Easj^ it may be seen that I intend 
Mercy colleague with justice, sending thee 
Man's friend, his Mediator, his designed 60 

Both ransom and Redeemer voluntary, 
And destined Man himself to judge Man fallen," 

So spake the Father; and, unfolding bright 
Toward the right hand his glory, on the Son 
Blazed forth unclouded deity: he full 
Resplendent all his Father manifest 
Express, and thus divinely* answered mild: 

"Father Eternal, thine is to decree; 
Mine, both in Heaven and Earth, to do thy will 
Supreme; that thou in me, thy Son beloved, 70 
Ma^^est ever rest well pleased. I go to judge 
On Earth these transgressors; but thou knowc't. 



BOOK X. 323 

Whoever judged, the worst on me must light, 
When time shall be; for so I undertook 
Before thee, and, not repenting, this obtain 
Of right, that I may mitigate their doom 
On me derived; yet I shall temper so 
Justicewith mercy, as may illustrate most 
Them fully satisfied, and thee appease. 
Attendance none shall need, nor train, where none 
Are to behold the judgement, but the judged, 81 
Those two; the third best absent is condemned. 
Convict by flight, and rebel to all law; 
Conviction to the Serpent none belongs." 

Thus saying, from^ his radiant seat he rose 
Of high collateral glory; him Thrones and 

Powers, 
Princedoms, and Dominations ministrant 
Accompanied to Heaven-gate, from whence 
Eden .and all the coast in prospect lay. ( 

Down he descended straight; the speed of Gods 90 
Time counts not, though with swiftest minutes 
winged. 

Now was the sun in western cadence low 
From noon, and gentle airs, due at tlieir hour, 
To fan the earth now waked, and uslu r in 
The evening ccTol, when he from wrath more coc! 
Came, the mild judge and iiite'cessor ]) ith, 
To sentence Man. The voice cf GlkI ;liey heard, 



324 PARADISE LOST. 

Brought to their ears, while day declined; they 

heard, 
And from his presence hid themselves, among- loc 
The thickest trees, both man and wife, till God 
Approaching, thus to Adam called aloud: 

"Where art thou, Adam, wont with joy to meet 
My coming seen far off? I miss thee here, 
Not pleased, thus entertained with solitude, 
Where obvious dutv erewhile appeared, unsought 
Or come I less conspicuously? or what change 
Absents thee, or what chance detains? Come 

forth." 
He came, and with him Eve, more loath, though 

first 
To offend, discountenanced both, and discomposed. 
I/)ve was not in their looks, either to God iii 
Or to teach other, but apparent guiU, 
And shame, and perturbation, and despair, 
Anger, and obstinacy, and hate, and guile. 
Whence Adam, faltering long, thus answered brief: 
"I heard thee in the garden, and of thy voice 
Afraid, being naked, hid myself" To whom 
The gracious Judge without revile replied: 
' 'My voice thou oft ha^t heard, and hast not feared, 
But still rejoiced; how is it now become 120 

So dreadful to thee? that thou art naked who 
Hath told thee? Hast thou eaten of the tree. 
Whereof 1 gave thee charge thou shouldst not eat?" 



BOOK X, 325 

To whom thus Adam sore beset replied: 
"O Heaven! in evil strait this day I stand, 
Before my Judge, either to undergo 
Myself the total crime, or to accuse 
My other self, the partner of my life. 
Whose failing, while her faith to me remains, 
I should conceal, and not 'expose to blame 1,-^0 
By my complaint. But strict necessity 
Subdues me, and calamitous constraint, 
Lest on m^^ head both sin and punishment, 
However insupportable, be all 
Devolved; though should T hold my peace,yetthou 
Wouldst easily detect what I conceal. 
This Woman, whom thou madest to be my help, 
And gavest me as thy perfect gift, so good, 
So fit, so acceptable, so divine, 
That from her hand I could suspect no ill, 14c 
And what she did, whatever in itself, 
Her doing seemed to justify the deed — 
She gave me of the tree, and I did eat." 

To whom the sovran Presence thus replied: 
'Was she thy God, that her thou didst obey, 
Before his voice? or was she made thy guide, 
Superior, or but equal, that to her 
Thou didst resign thy manhood, and the place 
Wherein God set thee above her, made of thee 
And for thee, whose perfection far excelled 150 
Her^ in real dignity? Adorned 



326 PARADISE LOST. 

She was indeed, and lovely, to attract 
Thy love, not thy subjection; and her gifts 
Were such as under government well seemeu; 
Unseemly to bear rule, which was thy part 
And person, hadst thou known thyself aright." 

So having said, he thus to Eve in few: 
"Saj^, Woman, what is this which thou hast done?" 

To who sad Eve, with shame nigh overwhelmed, 
Confessing soon, 3'et not before her Judge 160 
Bold or loquacious, thus abashed replied: 
"The Serpent me beguiled, and I did eat." 

Which when the Lord God heard, without delay 
To'judgment he proceeded on the accused 
Serpent, though brute, unable to transfer 
The guilt on him who made him instrument 
Of mischief, and polluted from the end 
Of his creation; justly then accursed, 
As vitiated in nature. Mere to know 
Concerned not Man-^since he no farther knew— 
Nor altered his offence. Yet God at last 171 
To Satan, first in sin, his doom applied, 
Though in mysterious terms, judged as then best; 
And on the Serpent thus his curse let fall: 

''Because thou hast done this, thou art accursed 
-vbove all cattle, each beast of the field: 
Upon thy belly groveling thou shalt go, 
And dust shalt eat all the days of thy life- 
Between thee and the Woman I will put 



BOOK X. 327 

Enmity, and between thine and her seed; 180 

Her seed shall bruise thy head, thou bruise his 
heel." 

So spake this oracle, then verified 
When Jesus, son of Mary, second Eve, 
Saw Satan fall like lightning down from heaven. 
Prince of the air; then, rising from his grave. 
Spoiled Principalities and Powers, triumphed 
In open shew, and, with ascension bright, 
Captivity led captive through the air, 
The realm itself of Satan, long usurped. 
Whom he shall tread at last under our feet; 190 
Even he who now foretold his fatal bruise. 
And to the Woman thus his sentence turned: 

"Thy sorrow I will greatly multiply 
By thy conception; children thou shalt bring; 
In sorrow^ forth; and to thy husband's will 
Thine shall submit; he over thee shall rule/ * 

On Adam last thus judgment he pronounced: 
"Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of th-' 

wife. 
And eaten of the tree, concerning which 199 

I charged thee, saying, Tho2i shalt not eat thereof y 
Cursed is the ground for th}' sake; thou in sorrow 
Shalt eat thereof all the da3's of thy life; 
Thorns also and thistles it shall bring thee forth 
Unbid; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 
In the sweat of thy face shalt then c: t r-read, 



326 PARADISE LOST. 

Till thou returu unto the ground; for thou 
Out of the ground was taken, know thy birth, 
For dust thou art, and shalt to dust return." 

So judged he Man, both Judge and Savior sent, 
And the instant stroke of death, denounced that 

day, 
Removed far off; then, pitying how they stood 2 1 1 
Before him naked to the air, that now 
Must suffer change, disdained not to begin 
Thenceforth the form of servant to assume; 
As when he washed his servants' feet, so now, 
As father of his family, he clad 
Their nakedness with skins of beasts, or slain, 
Or as the snake with youthful coat repaid; 
And thought not much to clothe his enemies. 
Nor he their outward only with the skins 22O 
Of beasts, but inward nakedness, much more 
Opprobrious, with his robe of righteousness 
Arraying, covered from his Father's sight. 
To him with swift ascent he up returned, 
Into his blissful bosom reassumed 
In glory, as of old; to him appeased 
All, though all-knowing, what had passed with 

Man 
Recounted, mixing intercession sweet. 

Meanwhile, ere thus was sinned and judge 

on Earth, 
Within the gates of Hell sat Sin and Death 230 



BOOK X. 32V 

In counterview, within the gates, that now 
Stood open wide, belching outrageous flame 
Far into Chaos, since the Fiend passed through, 
Sin opening, who thus now to Death began: 

"O son, why sit we here each other viewing 
Idly, while Satan, our great author, thrives 
In other worlds, and happier seat provides 
For us his offspring dear? It cannot be 
But that success attends him; if mishap. 
Ere this he had returned, with fury driven 240 
By his avengers, since no place like this 
Can fit his punishment, or their revenge. 
Methinks I feel new strength within me rise, 
Wings growing, and dominion given me large 
Beyond this Deep; w^hatever draws me on. 
Or sympathy, or some connatural force, 
Powerful at greatest distance to unite, 
With secret amity, things of like kind 
By secretest conveyance. Thou, my shade 
Inseparable, must with me along; 25a 

For Death from Sin no power can separate. 
But, lest the difficulty of passing back 
Stay his return perhaps over this gulf 
Impassable, impervious, let us try — 
Adventurous work, yet to thy power and miae 
Not unagreeable — to found a path, 
Over this main, from Hell to that new World, 
Where Satan now prevails; a monument 



330 PARADISE I OST. 

Of merit high to all the infernal host, 
lEasing their passage hence, for intercourse 260 
'Or transmigration, as their lot shall lead. 
-Kor can I miss the way, so strongly drawn 
By this new-felt attraction and instinct." 

Whom thus the meagre shadow answered soon: 
■**Go whither Fate and inclination strong 
Xead thee; I shall not lag behind, nor err 
"The way, thou leading; such a sent I draw 
'Of carnage, prey innumerable, and taste 
"The savor of death from all things there that 

live. 
."Nor shall I to the work thou enterprisest 270 
'B^ wanting, but afford thee equal aid." . 

So saying, with delight he snuifed the smell 
Of mortal change on earth. As w^hen a flock 
Of ravenous fowl, though many a league remote, 
Against the day of battle, to a field, 
"Where armies lie encamped, come flying, lured 
With sent of living carcases designed 
For death, the following daj^ in bloody fight: 
•So sented the grim Feature, and upturned 
His nostril wide into tlie murky air, 280 

Sagacious of his quarry from so far. 
Then both, from out Hell -gates, into the waste 
"Wide anarchy of Chaos, damp and dark, 
Flew diverse; and with power — their power was 
great — 



BOOKX. 33U 

Hovering upon the waters, what they met 
Solid or slimy, as in raging sea 
Tost up and down, together cro\Vded drove. 
From each side shoaling, toward the mouth of hell; 
— As when two polar winds, blowing adverse 
Upon the Cronian sea, together drive 290 

Mountains of ice, that stop the imagined wa;^ 
Beyond Petsora eastward to the rich 
Cathaian coast. — The aggregated soil 
Death with his mace petrific, cold and dr}^. 
As with a trident smote, and fixed as firm 
As Delos, floating once; the rest his look 
Bound with Gorgonian rigor not to move, 
And with asphaltic slime. Broad as the gate. 
Deep to the roots of Hell the gathered beach 
They fastened, and the mole immense wrought on. 
Over the foaming Deep high arched, abridge 301 
Of length prodigious, joining to the wall 
Immovable of this now fenceless World, 
Forfeit to Death; from hence a passage broad, 
Smooth, easy, inoffensive, down to Hell. 
So, if great things to small may be compared, 
Xerxes, the liberty of Greece to yoke, 
From Susa, his Memnonian palace high.. 
Came to the sea, and, over Hellespont 
Bridging his way, Europe with Asia joined; 310 
And scourged with man}' a stroke the indignant 
waves. 



332 PARADISE LOST. 

Now had they brought the work by wondrous art 
Pontifical, a ridge of pendent rock, 
Over the vexed Abyss, following the track 
Of Satan, to the selfsame place where he 
First lighted from his wing, and landed safe 
From out of Chaos, to the outside bare 
Of this round World: with pins of adamant 
And chains they made all fast, too fast they made 
And durable! And now in little space 32c 

The confines met of empyrean Heaven 
And of this World, and on the left hand Hell, 
With long reach interposed; three several ways, 
In sight, to each of these three places led. 
And now their way to Earth they had descried, 
To Paradise first tending; when, behold 
Satan, in likeness of an Angel bright. 
Betwixt the Centaur and the Scorpion steering 
His zenith, while the sun in Aries rose! 
Disguised he came; but those his children 
dear 33^ 

Their parent soon discerned, though in disguise. — - 
He, after Eve seduced, unminded slunk 
Into the wood fast by, and, changing shape 
To observe the sequel, saw his guileful act 
By Eve, though all unweeting, seconded 
Upon her husband, saw their shame that sought 
Vain covertures; but when he saw descend 
The Son of God to judge them, terrified 



BOOKX. , 3 

He fled; not hoping to escape, but shun 
The present; fearing, guilty, what his wrath 340 
Might suddenly inflict. That past, returned 
By night, and, listening where the hapless pair 
Sat in their sad discourse and various plaint, 
Thence gathered his own doom, which understood. 
Not instant, but of future time, with joy 
And tidings fraught, to Hell he now returned; 
And at the brink of Chaos, near the foot 
Of this new wondrous pontifice, unhoped 
Met who to meet him came, his ofispring dear. 
Great joy was at their meeting, and at sight 350 
Of that stupendous bridge his joy increased. 
Long he admiring stood, till Sin, his fair 
Enchanting daughter, thus the silence broke : 

*'0 parent, these are thy magnific deeds, 
Thy trophies! which thou viewestasnot thine own; 
Thou art their author and prime architect. 
For I no sooner in my heart divined, 
My heart, which by a secret harmony 
Still moves with thine, joined in connection sweet. 
That thou on Earth hadst prospered, which thy 

looks 
Now also evidence, but straight I felt 361 

Though distant from thee, worlds between, yet 

felt 
That I must after thee with this thy son; 
Such fatal consequence unites us three ! 



334 PARADISE LOST. 

Hell could no longer hold us in her bounds, 
Nor this unv05^ageable gulf obscure 
Detain from following thy illustrious track. 
Thou hast achieved our libert}^ confined 
Within Hell-gates till now, thou us impowered 
To fortify thus far, and overlay 370 

With this portentous bridge the dark Ab5^ss. 
Thine now is all this World; thy virtue hath won 
What thy hands builded not, th}^ wisdom gained 
With odds what war hath lost, and fully avenged 
Our foil in Heaven; here thou shalt monarch 

reign, 
There didst not. There let him still victor sway. 
As battle hath adjudged, from this new World 
Retiring, by his own doom alienated. 
And henceforth monarchy with thee divide 
Of all thnigs, parted by theemp3^Feal bounds, 380 
His quadrature, from thy orbicular World; 
Or try thee now more dangerous to his throne." 
Whom thus the Prince of Darkness answered 

glad: 
Fair daughter, and thou, son and grandchild 

both, 
High proof ye now have given to be the race 
Of Satan — for I glory in the name, 
Antagonist of Heaven's almighty King— 
Amply have merited*of me, of all 
The infernal empire, that so near Heaven's door, 



BOOK X. 335 

Triumphal witli triumphal act, have met 390 
Mine with this glorious work, and made one realm 
Hell and this World, one realm, one continent 
Of easy thoroughfare. Therefore while I 
Descend through darkness, on your road with ease, 
To my associate powers, them to acquaint 
With these successes, and with them rejoice, 
You two this way, among these numerous orbs, 
All yours, right-down to Paradise descend; 
There dwell and reign in bliss; thence on the 

earth 
Dominion exercise and in the air, 40c 

Chiefly on Man, sole lord of all declared; 
Him first make sure your thrall, and lastly kill. 
My substitutes I send ye, and create 
Plenipotent on earth, of matchless might 
Issuing from me. On your joint vigor now 
My hold of this new kingdom all depends, 
Through Sin to Death exposed by my exploit. 
If your joint power prevail, the affairs of Hell 
No detriment need fear; go, and be strong!" 
So saying he dismissed them: thej^ with 

speed 410 

Their course through thickest constellations held, 
Spreading their bane — the blasted stars looked 

wan, 
And planets, planet-struck, real eclipse 
Then suffered — The other wav Satan went down 



336 PARADISE LOST. 

The causey to Hell-gate. On either side 

Disparted Chaos overbuilt exclaimed, 

And with rebounding surge the bars assailed 

That scorned his indignation. Through the gate, 

Wide-open and unguarded, Satan passed, 

And all about found desolate; for those 420 

Appointed to sit there had left their charge, 

Flown to the upper World; the rest were all 

Far to the inland retired, about the walls 

Of Pandemonium, cit}^ and proud seat 

Of Lucifer, so by allusion called 

Of that bright star to Satan paragoned. 

There kept their watch the legions, while tbe 

Grand 
In council sat, solicitous what chance 
Might intercept their emperor sent; so he 
Departing gave command, and thc}^ observed. 43c* 
As when the Tartar from his Russian foe, 
By Astracan, over the snowy plains. 
Retires; or Bactrian Soplii, from the horns 
Of Turkish crescent, leaves all waste beyond 
The realm af Aladule, in his retreat 
To Tauris or Casbeen: so these, the late 
Heaven-banished host, left desert utmost Hell 
Many a dark league, reduced in careful watch 
Round their metropolis, and now expecting 
Each hour their great adventurer from the 

search 440 



BOOK X, i2>'I 

Of) foreign worlds. He through the midst un- 
marked, 
In shew plebeian Angel militant 
Of lowest order, passed; and, from the door 
Of that Plutonian hall invisible, 
Ascended his high throne, which, under state 
Of richest texture spread, at the upper end 
Was placed in regal lustre. Down awhile 
He sat, and round about him saw unseen. 
At last, as from a cloud, his fulgent head 
And shape star-bright appeared, or brighter, 
clad 450 

With what permissive glory since his fall 
Was left him, or false glitter. All amazed 
At that so sudden blaze, the Stygian throng 
Bent their aspect, and whom they wished beheld, 
Their mighty Chief returned: loud was the acclaim. 
Forth rushed in haste the great consulting peers, 
Raised from their dark Divan, and with like joy 
Congratulant approached him, who with hand 
Silence, and with these words attention, won: 
"Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues. 
Powers! 460 

For in possession such, not only of right, 
I call ye, and declare ye now, returned. 
Successful beyond hope, to lead ye forth 
Triumphant out of this infernal pit,^ 
Abominable, accursed, the house of woe, 



338 PARADISE LOST. 

And dungeon of our t^^ant — now possess, 
As lords, a spacious world, to our native Heavet 
I^ittle inferior, by my adventure hard 
With peril great achieved. Long were to tell 
What I have done, what suffered, wnth what 
pain 470 

Voyaged the unreal, vast, unbounded Deep 
Of horrible confusion, over which 
By Sin and Death a broad way now is paved. 
To expedite your glorious march; but I 
Toiled out my uncouth passage, forced to ride 
The untractable Abyss, plunged in the womb 
Of unoriginal Night and Chaos wild, 
That, jealous of their secrets, fiercely opposed 
My journey strange, with clamorous uproar. 
Protesting Fate supreme; thence how I found 480 
The new-created World, which fame in Heaven 
Long had foretold, a fabric wonderful, 
Of absolute perfection; therein Man 
Placed in a paradise, by our exile 
Made happy. Him by fraud I have seduced 
From his Creator, and, the more to increase 
Your wonder, with an apple! He thereat 
Offended — worth 3^our laughter— hath given up 
Both his beloved Man and all his World 
To Sin and Death a prey, and so to us, 490 

Without our hazard, labor or alarm, 
Vo rau^c iu, 'ind to dwell, and over Mar 



BOOK X. 



;39 



To rule, as over all he should have ruled. 
True is, me also he hath judged, or rather 
Me not, but the brute serpent, in whose shape 
Man I deceived. That which to me belongs, 
Is enmity, which he will put between 
Me and mankind: I am to bruise his heel; 
His seed — when is not set— shall bruise my head. 
A world who would not purchase with a 
bruise, 500 

Or much more grievous pain ? Ye have the account 
Of my performance. What remains, ye Gods, 
But up, and enter now into full bliss?" 

So having said, awhile he stood, expecting 
Their universal shout and high applause 
To fill his ear; when, contrary, he hears 
On all sides, from innumerable tongues, 
A dismal universal hiss, the sound 
Of public scorn. He wondered, but not long 
Had leisure, wondering at himself now more. 510 
His visage drawn he felt to sharp and spare. 
His arms clung to his ribs, his legs entwining 
Each other, till supplanted down he fell, 
A monstrous serpent, on his belly prone, 
Reluctant, but in vain; a greater power 
Now ruled him, punished in the shape he sinned, 
According to his doom. He would have spoke, 
But hiss for hiss returned with forked tongue 
To forked tongue; for now were all transformed 



2AO PA J^ AD IS E LOST. 

Alike to serpents, all as accessories 520 

To his bold riot. iJreadful was the din 

Of hissing through the hall, thick swarming now 

With complicated monsters, head and tail, 

Scorpion, and Asp, and Amphisbaena dire, 

Cerastes horned, Hydrus and EUops drear 

And Dipsas — not so thick sw^armed once the soil 

Bedropt with blood of Gorgon, or the isle 

Ophiusa — but still greatest he the midst, 

Now Dragon grown, larger than whom the Sun 

Ingendered in the P3'thian vale on slime, 530 

Huge Python; and his power no less he seemed 

Above the rest still to retain. They all 

Him followed, issuing forth to the open field, 

Where all yet left of that revolted rout. 

Heaven-fallen, in station stood or just array, 

Sublime with expectation when to see 

In triumph issuing forth their glorious Chief; 

They saw, but other sight instead ! a crowd 

Of ugly serpents. Horror on them fell, 

And horrid sympathy; for what they saw 540 

They felt themselves now changing. Down their 

arms, 
Down fell both spear and shield, down they as fast, 
And the dire hiss renewed, and the dire form 
Catched by contagion, like in punishment. 
As in their crime. Thus was the applause they 

meant 



book: X. 341 

Turned to exploding hiss, triumph to shame, 
Cast on themselves from their own mouths. — 

There stood 
A grove hard by, sprung up with this their change, 
His will who reigns above, to aggravate 
Their penance, laden with fair fruit, like that 550 
Which grew in Paradise, the bait of Kve 
Used by the Tempter. On that prospect strange 
Their earnest eyes they fixed, imagining 
For one forbidden tree a multitude 
Now risen, to work them further woe or shame; 
Yet, parched with scalding thirst and hunger fierce. 
Though to delude them sent, could not abstain ; 
But on they rolled in heaps, and up the trees 
Climbing, sat thicker than the snaky locks 
That curled Megaera. Greedily they plucked 560 
The fruitage, fair to sight, like that which grew 
Near that bituminous lake where Sodom flamed; 
This, more delusive, not the touch, but taste 
Deceived. They, fondly thinking to allay 
Their appetite with gust, instead of fruit 
Chewed bitter ashes, which the offended taste 
With spattering noise rejected. Oft they assayed, 
Hunger and thirst constraining; drugged as oft, 
With hatefulest disrelish, writhed their jaws 
With soot and cinders filled; so oft they fell 570 
Into the same illusion, not as Man 



342 PARADISE LOST, 

Whom they triumphed once lapsed. Thus were 

they plagued; 
And, worn with famine, long and ceaseless hiss, 
Till their lost shape, permitted, they resumed; 
Yearly enjo5^ed, some vSay, to undergo 
This annual humbling, certain numbered days, 
To dash their pride and joy for man seduced. 
However, some tradition they dispersed 
Among the Heathen of their purchase got. 
And fabled how the Serpent,whom they called 580 
Opliion with Hurynome — the wide 
Encroaching Eve perhaps — had first the rule 
Of high Olympus, thence by S'aturn driven 
And Ops, ere 3^et Dictaean Jove was born. 
Meanwhile m Paradise the hellish pair 
Too vsoon arrived; Sin, there in power before, 
Once actual, now in bod}^ and to dwell 
Habitual habitant; behind her Death, 
Close following pace for pace, not mounted yet 
On his pale horse; to whom Sin thus began: 590 
' 'Second of Satan sprung, all-conquering Death! 
What thinkest thou of our empire now, though 

earned 
With travail difficult ? Not better far 
Than still at Hell's dark threshold to have sat 

watch 
Unnamed, undreaded, and thyself half-starved?" 



BOOK X 343 

Whom thus the Sin-born monster answered 

soon : 
*'To me, who with eternal famine pine, 
Alike is Hell, or Paradise, or Heaven; 
There best, where most with ravin I may meet; 
Which here, though plenteous, all too little seems 
To stuff this maw, this vast unhide-bound corpse." 
To whom the incestuous mother thus re. 

plied:' ' 602 

*-Thou therefore on these herbs, and fruits, and 

flowers 
Feed first; on each beast next, and fish, and fowl — 
No hrmely morsels — and, whatever thing 
The scythe of Time^mows down, devour unspared; 
Till I, in Man residing, through the race. 
His thoughts, his looks, words, actions, all infect, 
And season him thy last and sweetest prey. " 

This said, they both betook them several ways, 
Both to destroy, or unimmortal make 611 

All kinds, and for destruction to mature 
•Sooner or later; which the Almighty seeing, 
From his transcendent seat the Saints among, 
To those bright Orders uttered thus his voice : 
"See with what heat these dogs of Hell ad' 

vance 
To waste and havoc yonder World, which I 
So fair and good created, and had still 
Kept in that vState, had not the folly of Man 



344 PARADISE LOST. 

Let in these wasteful furies, who impute 620 

Folly to me — so doth the Prince of Hel! 

And his adherents — that with so much ease 

I suffer them to enter and possess 

k. place so heavenly, and conniving seem 

To gratify my scornful enemies, 

That laugh, as if, transported with some fit 

Of passion, I to them had quitted all, 

At random yielded up to their misrule; 

And know not that I called and drew them thither, 

My hell-hounds, to lick up the draff and filth 630 

Which Man's polluting sin with taint hath shed 

On what was pure; till, crammed and gorged. 

nigh burst, ' 

With sucked and glutted offal, at one sling 
Of thy victorious arm, well-pleasing Son, 
Both Sin and Death, and yawning Grave at last, 
Through Chaos hurled, obstruct the mouth of Hell 
For ever, and seal up his ravenous jaws. 
Then Heaven and Earth renewed shall be made 

pure 
To sanctity that shall receive no stain. 
Till then the curse pronounced on both precedes." 
He ended, and the heavenly audience loud 641 
Sung Hallelujah, as the sound of seas, 
Through multitude that sung: — "Just are thy 

ways. 
Righteous are thy decrees on all thy works; 

/ 



BOOK X. 345 

Who can extenuate thee? Next, to the Son, 
Destined restorer of mankind, by whom 
New heaven and earth shall to the ages rise, 
Or down from Heaven descend." — Such was 

their song; 
While the Creator, calling forth by name 
His mighty Angels, gave them several charge, 650 
As sorted best with present things. The sun 
Had first his precept so to move, so shine, 
As might affect the earth with cold and heat 
Scarce tolerable, and from the north to call 
Decrepit winter, from the south to bring 
Solstitial summer's heat; to the blanc moon 
Her office J;he3^ prescribed; to the other five 
Their planetary motions and aspects. 
In sextile, square, and trine, and opposite 
Of noxious efficacy, and when to join 660 

Insjaiod unbenign; and taught the fixed 
Their influence malignant when to shower, 
Which of them, rising with the sun or falling, 
Should prove tempestuous: to the winds they set 
Their corners, when with bluster to confound 
Sea, air, and shore; the thunder when to roll 
With terror through the dark aerial hall. 
Some say, he bid his Angels turn askance 
The poles of earth twice ten degrees and more 
From the sun's axle; the^^ with labor pushed 67c 
Oblique the centric globe: some saj^, the sun. 



346 PARADISE LOST. 

Was bid turn reins from the equinoctial road 
Like distant breadth to Taurus with the seven 
Atlantic Sisters, and the Spartan Twins, 
Up to the Tropic Crab; thence down amain 
By Leo and the Virgin and the Scales, 
As deep as Capricorn, to bring in change 
Of seasons to each clime. Else had the vSpring 
Perpetual smiled on Earth with vernant flowers, 
Equal in days and nights, except to those 680 
Beyond the polar circles; to them day 
Had unbenighted shone, wliile the low^ sun, 
To recompense his distance, in their sig*ht 
Had rounded still the horizon, and not known 
Or east or west; which had forbid the snow 
From cold. Estotil and, and south as far 
Beneath Magellan. At that tasted fruit 
The sun, as from Thyestean banquet, turned 
His-cour.se intended; el.se how had the world 
Inhabited, though sinless, more than now 69O 
Avoided pinching cold and scorching heat? 

These changes in the heavens, though slow, 
produced 
Like change on sea and land, sideral blast, 
Vapor, and mist, and exhalation hot, 
Corrupt and pestilent. Now from the north 
Of Norumbtga, and the Samoed shore, 
Bursting their brazen dungei n, armed with ice, 
And snow, and hail, and stormy gust and flaw, 



BOOK X. 347 

Boreas, and Csecias, and Argestes loud, 

And Thrascias rend the woods and seas 

upturn; 700 

With adverse blast upturns them from the south 
Notus and Afer, black with thunderous clouds 
From Serraliona; thwart of these, as fierce. 
Forth rush the Levant and the Ponent winds, 
Eurus and Zephyr, with their lateral noise, 
Sirocco, and Libecchio. Thus began 
Outrage from lifeless things; but Discord first. 
Daughter of Sin, among the irrational 
Death introduced, through fierce antipathy. 
'Beast now with beast gan war, and fowl with fowl, 
And fish with fish; to graze the herb all 

leaving 711 

Devoured each other; nor stood much in aw-e 
Of Man, but fled him, or with countenance grim 
Glared on him passing. These were from without 
The growing miseries, which Adam saw 
Already in part, though hid in gloomiest shade, 
To sorrow^ abandoned, but wor^e felt within, " 
And, in a troubled sea of passion tost, 
Thus to disburden sought with sad complaint: 

'*0 miserable of happy! is this the end 720 
Of this new glorious World ? and me so late 
The glory of that glory ? who now, become 
Accursed of blessed, hide me from the face 
Of God, whom to behold was then my highth 



348 PARADISE LOST. 

Of happiness. Yet well, if here would end 

The misery; I deserved it, and would bear 

My owi deservings. But this will not serve; 

All that 1 eat and drink, or shall beget, 

Is 'propagated curse. O voice once heard 

Delightfully, Encrease a7id multiply , 73c 

Now death to hear! for what can I encrease 

Or multiply, but curses on my head? 

Who of all ages to succeed, but, feeling 

The evil on him brought by me, will curse 

My head ? Ill fare our ancestor impure 

For this we may thank Adam! but his thanks 

Shall be the execration. So, besides 

Mine own that bide upon me, all from me 

Shall with a fierce reflux on me redound; 

On me, as on their natural centre, light, 74^ 

Heavy though in their place O fleeting joys 

Of Paradise, dear bought with lasting woe ! 

Did I request thee. Maker, from my clay 

To mould me Man? did I solicit thee 

From darkness to promote me, or here place 

In this delicious garden ? As niy will 

Concurred not to my being, it were but right 

And equal to reduce me to my dust, 

Desirous to resign and render back 

All I received, unable to perform 750 

Thy terms too hard, b}^ which I was to hold 

The good I sought not. To the loss of that. 



BOOK X. ^49 

Sufficient penalty, why hast thou added 

The sense of endless woes ? inexplicable 

Thy justice seems. Yet, to say truth, too late 

I thus contest; then should have been refused 

Those terms whatever, when they were proposed. 

Thou didst accept them: wilt thou enjoy the good, 

Then cavil the condition ? And, though God 

Made thee without thy leave, what if thy son 760 

Prove disobedient, and reproved retort: 

Wherefore didst thou beget me f I sought it not ! 

Wouldst thou admit for his contempt of thee 

That proud excuse ? yet him not thy election. 

But natural necessity, begot. 

God made thee of choice his own, and of his own 

To serve him; thy reward was of his grace, 

Thy punishment then justly is at his will. 

Be it so, for I submit; his doom is fair, 

That dust I am, and shall to dust return. 770 

welcome hour whenever ! Why delays 

His hand to execute what his decree 

Fixed on this day ? Why do I overlive ? 

Why am I mocked with death, and lengthened out 

To deathless pain ? How gladl}^ would I meet 

Mortality, my sentence, and be earth 

Insensible ! how glad would lay me down 

As in my mother's lap ! There I should rest. 

And sleep secure; his dreadful voice no more 

Would thunder in my ears; no fear of worse 780 



^5o PARADISE LOST, 

To me and to my ofFspring would torment m« 
With cruel expectation. — Yet one doubt 
Pursues me still, lest all I cannot die; 
Lest that pure breath of life, the spirit of Man- 
Which God inspired, cannot together perish 
With this corporeal clod. Then in the grave. 
Or in some other dismal place, who knows 
But I shall die a living death ? O thought 
Horrid, if true ! Yet wh}^ ? it was but breath 
Of life that sii-ned. What dies but what had 
life 79a 

And sin ? the body properly hath neither. 
All of me then shall die. Let this appease 
The doubt, since human reach no farther knows. 
For though the Lord of all be infinite, 
Is his wrath also ? Be it, Man is not so, ' 

But mortal doomed. How can he exercise 
Wrath v/ithout end on Man, whom deatli must end? 
Can he make deathless death ? That were to make 
Strange contradiction, which to God himself 
Impossible is held, as argument 80c 

Oi weakness, not of power. Will he draw out, 
For anger's sake, finite to infinite 
In punished Man, to satisfy his rigor 
Satisfied never ? That were to extend 
His sentence beyond dust and Nature's law. 
By which all causes else, according still 
To the reception of their matter, act. 



BOOK X. 351 

Not to the extent of their own sphere. But say- 
That death be not one stroke, as I supposed. 
Bereaving sense, but endless misery 810 

From this day onward, which I feel begun 
Both in me, and without me, and so last 
To perpetuity . . . Ay, me ! that fear 
Comes thundering back with dreadful revolutioH 
On my defenceless head. Both Death and I 
Am found eternal, and incorporate both; 
Nor I on my part single; in me all 
Posterity stands cursed. Fair patrimony 
That I must leave ye, sons ! Oh, were I able 
To waste it all myself, and leave ye none ! 820 
So disinherited, how would 5'e bless 
Me, now you curse ! Ah, why should all mankind 
For one man's fault, thus guiltless be condemned?- 
If guiltless; but from me what can proceed 
But all corrupt, both mind and will depraved 
Not to do only, but to will the same 
With me ? How can they then acquitted stand 
In sight of God ? Him, after all disputes. 
Forced I absolve; all my evasions vain. 
And reasonings, though through mazes, lead me 

still 
But to ni}' own conviction: first and last 831 

On me, me only, as the source and f>pring 
Of all corruption, all the blame lights due; 



352 PARADISE LOST. 

So might the wrath ! Fond wish ! couldst thou 

support 
That burden, heavier than the Earth to bear; 
Than all the World much heavier, though divided 
With that bad Woman ? Thus, what thou desirest, 
And what thou fearest, alike destro3'S all hope 
Of refuge, and concludes thee miserable, 
Beyond all past example and future; 840 

To Satan only like, both crime and doom. 

Conscience, into what ab3'SS of fears 

And horrors hast thou driven me ! out of which 

1 find no wa}^, from deep to deeper plunged." 
Thus Adam to himself lamented loud, 

Through the still night; not now, as ere Man fell, 

Wholesome, and cool, and mild, but with black air 

Accompanied, with damps and dreadful gloom; 

Which to his evil conscience represented 

All things with double terror. On the ground 85a 

Outstretched he lay, on the cold ground, and oft 

Cursed his creation. Death as oft accused 

Of tardy execution, since denounced 

The day of his offence. ' 'Why comes not Death^ '"^ 

Said he, "with one thrice acceptable stroke 

To end me? shall Truth fail to keep her word? 

Justice divine not hasten to be just? 

But Death comes not at call. Justice divine 

Mends not her slowest pace for prayers or cries. 

O woods, O fountains, hillocks, dales, and bowers! 



BOOK X. 353 

With other echo late I taught 3^our sh£.des 86 1 
To answer, and resound far other song." — 
Whom thus afflicted when sad Eve beheld, 
Desolate where she sat, approaching nigh, 
Soft words to his fierce passion she assayed; 
But her with stern regard he thus repelled: 

"Out of my sight, thou serpent ! that name best 
Befits thee with him leagued, thyself as false 
And hateful. Nothing wants, but that thy shape 
Like his, and color serpentine, may shew 870 
Thy inward fraud, to warn all creatures from thee 
Henceforth; lest that too heavenly form, pre- 
tended 
To hellish falsehood, snare them. But for thee 
I had persisted happ3^; had not thy pride 
And wandering vanity, when least was safe. 
Rejected my forewarning, and disdained 
Not to be trusted; longin-g to be seen, 
Though by the Devil himself; him overweening 
To over-reach; but, with the serpent meeting. 
Fooled and beguiled, by him thou, I by thee, 880 
To trust thee from my side; imagined wdse, 
Constant, mature, proof against all assaults; 
And understood not all was but a shew. 
Rather than solid virtue; all but a rib 
Crooked by nature, bent, as now appears, 
More to the part sinister, from me drawn: 
Well if thrown out, as supernumerary 



354 PARADISE LOST. 

To my just number found: Oh, why did God, 
Creator wise, that peopled highest Heaven 
With Spirits masculine, create at last ^i^ 

This novelty on Earth, this fair defect 
Of Nature, and not fill the world at once 
With men as Angels, without feminine? 
Or find some other wa}^ to generate 
Mankind? This mischief had not then befallen, 
And more that shall befall; innumerable 
Disturbances on Earth through female snares, 
And strait conjunction with this sex. For either 
He never shall find out fit mate, but such 
As some misfortune brings him, or mistake; 900 
Or whom he wishes most shall seldom gain, 
Through her perverseness, but shall see her gained 
By a far worse; or, if she love, withheld 
By parents; or his happiest choice too late 
Shall meet; already linked and wedlock-bound 
To a fell adversary, his hate or shame : 
Which infinite calamity shall cause 
To human life, and household peace confound." 

He added not, and from her turned; but Eve, 
Not so repulsed, with tears that ceased not flowing, 
And tresses all disordered at his feet 91 t 

Fell humble, and, embracing them, besought 
His peace, and thus proceeded in her plaint: 

"Forsake me not thus, Adam! witness Heaven 
What love sincere and reverence in my heart 



BOOK X. 355 

I bear thee, and unweeting have offended, 

Unhappily deceived! Thy suppliant 

I beg, and clasp thy knees; bereave me not, 

Whereon I live, thy gentle looks, thy aid, 

Thy counsel, in this uttermost distress 920 

My only strength and stay. Forlorn of thee 

Whither shall I betake me, where subsist ? 

While yet we live, scarce one short hour perhaps^ 

Between us two let there be peace; both rejoining^ 

As joined in injuries, one enmity 

Against a foe by doom express assigned us. 

That cruel Serpent. On me exercise not 

Thy hatred for this misery befallen, 

On me already lost, me th4n thyself 

More miserable. Both have sinned, but thou 930 

Against God only, I against God and thee; 

And to the place of judgement will return, 

There with my cries importune Heaven, that all 

The sentence, from thy head removed, may light 

On me, sole cause to thee of all this woe, 

Me, me only, just object of his ire." 

She ended weeping, and her lowl}^ plight, 
Immovable till peace obtained from fault 
Acknowledged and deplored, to Adam wrought 
Commiseration, Soon his heart relented 940 

Toward her, his life so late and sole delight, 
Now at his feet submissive in distress; 
Creature so fair his reconcilement seeking, 



356 PARADISE LOST. 

His counsel, whom she had displeased, his aid. 

As one disarmed, his anger all he lost, 

And thus with peaceful words upraised her soon: 

"Unwary, and too desirous, as before 
So now, of what thou knowest not, who desirest 
The punishment all on thyself. Alas! 
Bear thine own first, ill able to sustain 950 

His full wrath, whose thou feelest as yet least part, 
And ni3^ displeasure bearest so ill. If prayers 
Could alter high decrees, I to that place 
Would speed before thee, and be louder heard. 
That on my head all might be visited : 
Th}^ frailty and infirmer sex forgiven, 
To me committed, and hy me exposed. 
But rise; let us no more contend, nor blame 
Kach other, blamed enough elsewhere, but strive. 
In offices of love, how we may lighten 960 

Kach other's burden, in our share of woe; 
Since this day's death denounced, if aught I see, 
Will prove no vSudden, but a slow-paced evil, 
A long day's dying, to augment our pain, 
And to our seed — O hapless seed! —derived." 

To whom thus Eve, reco veering heart, replied: 
"Adam, by sad experiment I know 
How little weight my words with thee can find, 
Found so erroneous; thence by just event 
Found so unfortunate. Nevertheless, 970 

Restored by thee, vile as I am, to place 



BOOKX. 357 

Of new acceptance, hopeful to regain 

Thy love, the sole contentment of my heart, 

Living or dying, from thee I will not hide 

What thoughts in my unquiet breast are risen, 

Tending to some relief of our extremes, 

Or end; though sharp and sad, yet tolerable, 

As in our evils, and of easier choice. 

If care of our descent perplex us most, 

Which must be born to certain woe, devoured 980 

By Death at last — and miserable it is 

To be to others cause of misery. 

Our own begotten, and of our loins to ])ring 

Into this cursed world a woeful race. 

That after wretched life must be at last 

Food for so foul a monster — in thy power 

It lies, yet ere conception, to prevent 

The race unblest, to being yet unbegot. 

Childless thou art, childless remain; so Death 

Shall be deceived his glut, and with us two 990 

Be forced to satisfy his ravenous maw. 

But if thou judge it hard and difficult, 

Conversing, looking, loving, to abstain 

From love's due rights, nuptial eihbraces sweet, 

And with desire to languish without hope.. 

Before the present object languishing 

With like desire, which would be misery 

And torment less than none of what we dread; 

Then, both ourselves and seed at once to free 



358 PAkADISE lost. 

From what we fear for both, let usmakeshort. looo 
Let us seek Death, or, he not found, supply 
With our own hands his office on ourselves. 
Why stand we longer shivering under fears, 
That shew no end but death, and have the power, 
Of many ways to die the shortest choosing, 
Destruction with destruction to destroy?" 

She ended here, or vehement despair 
Broke off the rest; so much of death her thoughts 
Had entertained as dyed her cheeks with pale. 
But Adam,with such counsel nothing swayed, loio 
To better hopes his more attentive mind 
Laboring had raised, and thus to Eve replied: 

"Kve, thy contempt of life and pleasure seems 
To argue in thee something more sublime 
And excellent than what thy mind contemns; 
But self-destruction therefore sougflit refutes 
That excellence thought in thee, and implies 
Not thy contempt, but anguish and regret 
For loss of life and pleasure overloved. 
Or if thou covet death, as utmost end i o'^o 

Of misery, so thinking to evade 
The penalty pronounced, doubt not but God 
Hath wiselier armed his vengeful ire than so 
To be forestalled; much more I fear lest death, 
So snatched, will not exempt us from the pain 
We are by doom to pay; rather such acts 
Of contumacy will provoke the Highest 



BOOK X. 359 

To make death in us live. Then let us se.ek 
Some safer resolution, which methinks 
I have in view, calling to mind with heed 1030. 
Part of our sentence, that th)^ seed shall bruise 
The Serpent's head: piteous amends! unless 
Be meant, whom I conjecture, our grand foe, 
Satan, who in the serpent hath contrived 
Against us this deceit. To crush his head 
Would be revenge indeed; which will be lost 
By death brought on ourselves, or childless days 
Resolved as thoii proposest; so our foe 
Shall scape his punishment ordained, and we 
Instead shall double ours upon our heads. 104c- 
No more be mentioned then of violence 
Against ourselves, and wilful barrenness, 
That cuts us off from hope, and savors only 
Rancour and pride, impatience and despite, 
Reluctance against God and his just yoke 
Laid on our necks. Remember with what mild 
And gracious temper he both heard and judged, 
Without wTath or reviling. We expected 
Immediate dissolution, which we thought 
Was meant by death that day; when lo! to thee 
Pains only in child-bearing were foretold, 105 1 
And bringing forth, soon recompensed w^ith joy, 
Fruit of thy womb; on me the curse aslope 
Glanced on the ground. With labor I must earn 
My bread; what harm ? Idleness had been worse. 



36o PARADISE L0S7. 

My labor will sustain me; and, lest cold 
Or heat should injure us, his timel}^ care 
Hath unbesought provided, and his hands 
Clothed us unworth}-, pitying while he judged. 
How much more,if wepray hini,willhisear io6a 
Be open, and his heart to pity incline, 
And teach us further by what means to shun 
The inclement seasons, rain, ice, hail, and snow! 
Which now the sk}^ Y\dth various face, begins 
To shew us in this mountain, while the winds 
Blow moist and keen, shattering the graceful locks 
Of these fair spreading trees; which bids us seek 
vSome better shroud, some better v,armtli, to 

cherish 
Onr limbs benumbed, ere this diurnal star 
Leave cold the night; how we his^gathered beams 
Reflected may with matter sere foment, 1071 

Or by collision of two bodies grind 
The air attrite to fire; as late the clouds, 
Justling, or pushed with winds, rude in their 

shock. 
Tine the slant lightning, whose thwart flame 

driven down 
Kindles the gunnny bark of fir or pine. 
And sends a comfortable heat from far, 
Which might supply the sun. Such fire to use. 
And what may else be remedy or cure 
To evils which our own misdeeds have wrought, 



BOOK X. ^61 

He will instruct us praying, and of grace 108 1 
Beseeching him; so as we need not fear 
To pass commodiously this life, sustained 
By him with many comforts, till we end 
In dust, our final rest and native home. 
What better ca^ we do, than to the place 
Repairing where he judged us, prostrate fall 
Before him reverent, and there confess 
Humbly our faults, and pardon beg, with tears 
Watering the ground, and with our sighs the air 
Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in 

sign 1091 

Of sorrow unfeigned, and humiliation meek ? 
Undoubtedly he will relent, and turn 
From his displeasure, in whose look, serene. 
When angry most he seemed and most severe, 
What else but favor, grace, and mercy .shone ?" 

So spake our father penitent, nor Kve 
Felt less remorse. They forthwith, to the place 
Repairing where he judged them, prostrate fell 
Before him, reverent, and both confessed iioo 
Humbly, their faults and pardon begged, with 

tears * 

Watering the ground, and with their sighs the 

air 
Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign 
Of sorrow unfeigned, and humiliation meek. 



PARADISE LOST. 

BOOK XI. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

The Son of God presents to his Father the praysrs 
of our first parents now repenting-, and intercedes for 
them. God accepts them, but declares that they must 
no longer abide in Paradise: sends Michael with a 
band of Cherubim to dispossess them; but first to 
reveal to Adam future things: Michael's coming- down. 
Adam shews to Eve certain ominous signs; he discerns 
Michaers approach; goes out to meet him; the Angel 
denounces their departure. Eve's lamentation. Adam 
pleads, but submits: The Angel leads him up to a 
high hill; sets before him in vision what shall happen 
till the Flood. 

Thus they in lowliest plight repentant stood, 
Praying; for from the mercy-seat above 
Prevenient grace descending had removed 
The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh 
Regenerate grow instead, that sighs now breathed 
Unutterable, which the Spirit of prayer 
Inspired, and winged for Heaven with speedier 

flight 
Than loudest oratory. Yet their port 
Not ot mean suitors, nor important less 



BOOK XL 363 

Seemed their petition, than when the ancient 

pair, 
In fables old, less ancient j^et than these, 1 1 

Deucalion and chaste Pyrrlia, to restore 
The race of mankind drowned, before the shrine 
Of Themis stood devout. To Heaven their pra^^ers 
Flew up, nor missed the way, by envious 'winds 
Blown vagabond or frustrate: in they passed 
Dimensionless through heavenly doors; then clad 
With incense, where the golden altar fumed, 
By their great Intercessor, came in sight 
Before the Father's throne. Them the glad Son 
Presenting thus to intercede began: 21 

"See, Father, what first-fruits on Earth are 

sprung 
From thy implanted grace in Man; these sighs 
And prayers, which in this golden censor, mixed 
With incense, I thy priest before thee bring; 
Fruits of more pleasing savor, from thy seed 
Sown with contrition in his heart, than those 
Which, his own han^ manuring, all the trees 
Of Paradise could have produced, ere fallen 
From innocence. Now therefore bend thine ear 30 
To supplication; hear his sighs, though mute; 
Unskillful with what words to pray, let me 
Interpret for him, me his advocate 
And propitiation; all his works on me, 
Good or not good, ingraft; my merit those 



364 PARADISE LOST. 

Shall perfect, and for these my death shall pay. 
Accept me, and in me from these receive 
The smell of peace toward Mankind: let him live 
Before thee reconciled, at least his da3-s 
Numbered, though sad; till death, his doom — 

which I 
To mitigate thus plead, not to reverse — 41 

To better life shall yield him, where^with m*; 
All my redeemed may dwell in joy and blis£, 
Made one with me, as I with thee am one." 

To whom the Father, without cloud, serene: 
"Ail thy request for Man, accepted Son, 
Obtain; all thy request was my decree. 
But, longer ^1 that Paradise to dwell 
The law I gave to Nature him forbids; 
Those pure immortal elements, that know 50 
No gross, no uiiharmonious mixture foul, 
Eject him, tainted now, and purge him oflf. 
As a distemper, gross, to air as gross, 
And mortal food, as may dispose him best 
For dissolution wrought by^in, that first 
Distempered all things, and of incorrupt 
Corrupted. I at first with two fair gifts 
Created him endowed, with happiness 
And immortality; that fondly lost. 
This other served but to eternize woe, 60 

Till I provided death: so death becomes 
His final remedy, and, after life 



BOOK XL 36s 

Tried in sharp tribulation and refined 

By faith and faithful works, to second life, 

Waked in the renovation of the just. 

Resigns him up with heaven and earth renewed.— 

But let us call to synod all the Blest 

Through Heaven's wide bounds; from them I will 

not bide 
M}'- judgments, how^with Mankind I proceed, 
As how with peccant Angels late they saw, 70 
And in their state, though firm, stood more con- 
firmed." 

He ended, and the Son gave signal high 
To the bright minister that watched. He blew 
His trumpet, heard in Oreb since^ perhaps 
When God descended, and perhaps once more 
To sound at general doom. The angelic blast 
Filled all the regions. From their blissful bowers 
Ofamarantine shade, fountain or spring, 
B}" the waters of life, VN'here'er they sat 
In fellow^ships of jo}^ the Sons of Light 80 

Hasted, resorting to the summons high, 
And took their seats, till from his throne supreme 
The Almighty thus pronounced his sovran will : 

"O Sons, like one of us Man is become 
To know both good and evil, since his taste 
Of that defended fruit. But let him boast 
His knowledge of good lost and evil got, 
Happier, had it sufficed him to have known 



566 PARADISE LOST. 

Good by itself, and evil not"^at all. 

His sorrows now, repents, and pra^^s contrite, 90 

My motions in him; longer than they move . . . 

His heart I know how variable and vain, 

Self-left. Lest therefore his now bolder hand 

Reach also of the Tree of Life, and eat, 

And live for ever, dream at least to live 

For ever, to remove him I decree, 

And send him from the garden forth, to till 

The ground whence he was taken, fitter soil. 

* 'Michael, this my behest have thou in charge. 
Take to thee, from among the Cherubim, 100 
Thy choice of flaming warriors; lest the Fiend, 
Or in behalf of Man, or to invade 
Vacant possession, some new trouble raise. 
Haste thee, and from the Paradise of God 
Without remorse drive out the sinful pair, 
From hallowed ground the unholy, and denounce 
To them and to their progeny from thence 
Perpetual banishment. Yet, lest they faint 
At the sad sentence rigorously urged — 
For I behold them softened, and with tears no 
Bewailing their excess — all terror hide. 
If patiently thy bidding they obey. 
Dismiss them not disconsolate; reveal 
To Adam what shall come in future days, 
As I shall thee enlighten; intermix 
My covenant in the Woman's seed renewed. 



BOOK XL 367 

So send them forth, though sorrowing, yet in 

peace; 
And on the east side of the garden place, 
Where entrance up from Eden easiest climbs, 
Cherubic watch, and of a sword the flame 120 
Wide- waving, all approach far off to fright, 
And guard all passage to the Tree of lyife; 
Lest Paradise a receptacle prove 
To Spirits foul, and all my trees their prey, 
With whose stolen fruit Man once more to delude." 

He ceased, and the archangelic Power prepared 
For swift descent; with him the cohort bright 
Of watchful Cherubim. Four faces each 
Had, like a double Janus, all their shape 
Spangled with eyes, more numerous than those 130 
Of Argus, and more wakeful than to drowse, 
Charmed with Arcadian pipe, the pastoral reed 
Of Hermes, or his opiate rod. Meanwhile, 
To resolute the World with sacred light, 
Leucothea waked, and with fresh dews embalmed 
The earth; when Adam and first matron Eve 
Had ended now their orisons, and found 
Strength added from above, new hope to spring 
Out of dispair, joy, but with fear yet linked; 
Which thus to Eve his welcome words re- 
newed : 140 

"Eve, easily may faith admit that all 
The good which we enjoy from Heaven descend. 



368 PARADISE LOST. 

But that from lis aught should ascend to Heaven 
So prevalent as to concern the mind 
Of God high-biest, or to incline his will, 
Hard to belief maj^ seem; j-et this will prayer 
Or one short sigh of human breath, up-borne 
Even to the seat of God. For since I sought 
By prayer the offended Deity to appease, 
Kneeled and before him humbled all my heart, 1 5c 
Methought I saw him, placable and mild, 
Bending his ear; persuasion in m.e grew 
That I was heard with favor; peace returned 
Home to my breast, and to my memory 
His promise, that thy seed shall bruise our Foe; 
Which, then not minded in disma}-, yet now 
Assures me that the bitterness of death 
Is past, and we shall live. Whence hail to thee! 
Eve rightly called, Mother of all Mankind, 
Mother of all things living, since by thee 160 
Man is to live, and all things live for Man." 

To whom thus Eve with sad demeanor meek; 
"111 -worthy I such title vShould belong- 
To me tran.sgressor, who, for thee ordained 
A help, became thy snare; to me reproach 
Rather belongs, distrust and all dispraise. 
But infinite in pardon was my Judge, 
That I, who first brought death on all, am graced 
The source of life; next favorable thou, 
Who highly thus to entitle me vouchsafest, 170^ 



BOOK XL 369 

Far other name deserving. — But the field 
To labor calls us, now with sweat imposed, 
Though after sleepless night; for see! the Morn, 
All unconcerned with our unrest, begins 
Her rosy progress smiling. Let us forth, 
I never from thy side henceforth to stray, 
Where'er our da}^' s w^ork lies, though now enjoined 
Laborious, till day droop. While here we dwell 
— What can be toilsome in these pleasant walks? — 
Here let us live, though in fallen state, con- 
tent." ■ 180 
So spake, so wished much-humbled Eve, but 
Fate 
Subscribed not. Nature f^rst gave signs, impressed 
On bird, beast, air; air suddenly eclipsed. 
After short blush of morn. Nigh in her sight 
The bird of Jove, stooped from his aery tour. 
Two birds of gayest plume before him drove; 
Down from a hill the beast that reigns in woods, 
First hunter then, pursued a gentle brace. 
Goodliest of all the forest, hart and hind; 
Direct to the eastern gate was bent their flight. 190 
A.dani observed, and, with his eye the chase 
Pursuing, not unmoved to Eve thus spake: 

"O Eve, some further change awaits us nigh, 
Which Heaven b)* these mute signs in Nature 

shews, 
Foremnners of his purpose; or to warn 



370 PARADISE LOST, 

Us, haply too secure of our discharge 
From penalty, because froru death released 
Some days; how long, and what till then our life, 
Who knows, or more than this, that we are dust, 
And thither must return, and be no more? 200 
Why else this double object in our sight 
Of flight, pursued in the air and o'er the ground, 
One way the selfsame hour? Why in the east 
Darkness ere day's mid-course, and morning light 
More orient in yon western cloud, that draws 
O'er the blue firmament a radiant white, 
And slow descends, wath something, heavenly 

fraught?" 
He erred not; for by this the heavenly bands. 
Down from a sky of jasper, lighted now 
In Paradise, and on a hill made halt; z^iy 

A glorious apparition, had not doubt 
And carnal fear that day dimmed Adam's eye. 
Not that more glorious, w^hen the Angels met 
Jacob in Mahanaim, where he saw 
The field pavilioned with his guardians bright; 
Nor that which on the flaming moun^ appeared. 
In Dothan, covered with a camp of fire, 
Against the Syrian king, who to surprise 
One man, assassin-like, had levied war, 
War unproclaimed. The princely Hierarch 220 
In their bright stand there left his powers, to seize 
Possession of the garden: he alone, 



BOOK XL 371 

To find where Adam sheltered, took his way, 

Not unperceived of Adam, who to Eve, 

While the great visitant approached, thus spake : 

"Eve, now expect great tidings, which perhaps 
Of us will soon determine, or impose 
New laws to be observed; for I descry, 
From yonder blazing cloud that veils the hill, 
One of the heavenly host, and by his gait 230 
None of the meanest; some great Potentate 
Or of the Thrones above, such majesty 
Invests him coming; yet not terrible 
That I should fear, nor sociably mild, 
As Raphael, that I should much confide; 
But solemn and sublime, whom not to offend 
With reverence I must meet, and thou retire." 

He ended; and the Archangel soon drew nigh, 
Not in his shape celestial, but as man 
Clad to meet man. Over his lucid arms 240 

A military vest of purple flowed, 
lyivelier than Meliboean, or the grain 
Of Sarra, worn by kings and heroes old, 
In time of truce; Iris had dipt the woof. 
His starry helm unbuckled shewed him prime 
In manhood where youth ended; by his side. 
As in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword, 
Satan's dire dread, arxd in his hand the spear. 
Adam bowed low; he kingly from his state 
Inclined n6t, but his coming thus declared : 250 



372 PARADISE LOST. 

"Adam, Heaven's high behest no preface needs. 
Sufficient that thy prayers are heard, and Death, 
Then due by sentence when thou didst transgress, 
Defeated of his seizure, many days 
Given thee of grace, wherein thou raa^-est repent, 
And one bad act with many deeds well done 
Mayst cover. Well may then thy Lord, appeased, 
Redeem thee quite from Death's rapacious claim; 
But longer in this Paradise to dwell 
Permits not : to remove thee I am come, 26c 

And send thee from the garden forth, to till 
The ground whence thou wast taken, fitter soil." 

He added not; for Adam at the news 
Heart-struck with chilling gripe of sorrow stood, 
That all his senses bound; Eve, who unseen 
Yet all had heard, with audible lament 
Discovered soon the place of her retire: 

"O unexpected stroke, worse than of Death! 
Must I thus leave thee, Paradise ? thus leave 
Thee, native soil! these happ)' walks and 
shades, 270 

Fit haunt of Gods ? where I had hope to spend, 
Quiet though sad, the respite of that day 
That must be mortal to us botl^ O flowers. 
That never will in other climate grow. 
My early visitation, and my last 
At even, which I bred up with tender hand 
From the first opening bud, and gave ye namesl 



BOOK Xr. 373 

Who now siiall rear }-e to the sun, or laiik 
Your tribes, and water from the ambrosial fount ? 
Thee lastl}^ nuptial bowser 1 by me adorned 280 
With what to sight or smell was sweet, from thee 
How shall I part, and whither wander down 
Into a lower world, to this obscure 
And wild ? How shall we breathe in other air 
Less pure, accustomed to immortal fruits?" 

Whom thus the Angel interrupted mild: 
"Lament not, Eve,- but patiently resign 
What justly thou hast lost; nor set thy heart, 
Thus over- fond, on that which is not thine. 
Th}- going is not lonely; with thee goes 290 

Thy husband; him to follow thou art bound; 
Where he abides, think there thy native soil." 

Adam, by this from the cold sudden damp 
Recovering, and his scattered spirits returned, 
To Michael thus his humble words addressed: 

"Celestial !' whether among the -Thrones, or 
named 
Of them the highest, for such of shape may seem 
Prince above princes, gently hast thou told 
Thy message, which might else in telling wound. 
And in performing end us. What besides 300 
Of sorrow, and dejection, and despair 
Our frailty can sustain, thy tidings bring; 
Departure from this happy place, our sweet 
Recess, and only consolation left. 



374 PARADISK LOST. 

Familiar to our eyes, all places else 

Inhospitable appear and desolate, 

Nor knowing us nor known. And, if by prayer 

Incessant I could hope to change the wall 

Of Him who all things can, I would not cease 

To weary him with my assiduous cries. 310 

But prayer against his absolute decree 

No more avails than breath against the wind. 

Blown stifling back on him that breathes it forth: 

Therefore to his great bidding I submit. 

This most afflicts me, that, departing hence, 

As from his face I shall be hid, deprived 

His blessed countenance. Here I could frequent 

With worship place by place where he vouchsafed 

Presence Divine, and to my sons relate. 

On this mount he appeared, under this tree 320 

Stood visible, among these pines his voice 

I heard, here with him at this ftmntain talked. 

So many grateful altars I would rear 

Of grassy turf, and pile up every stone 

Of lustre from the brook, in memory 

Or monument to ages; and thereon 

Offer sw^eet-smelling gums, and fruits, and flowers. 

In yonder nether world where shall I seek 

His bright appearances, or footstep trace ? 

For, though I fled him angry, yet, recalled 330 

To life prolonged and promised race, I new 

Gladly behold though but his utmost skiite 



BOOK XI. 375 

Of glory, and far off his steps adore." 

To whom thus Michael with regard benign: 
"Adam, thou knowest Heaven his, and all the 

Earth; 
Not this rock onh^; his omnipresence fills 
Land, sea, and air, and every kind that lives, 
Fomented by his virtual power and warmed. 
All the earth he gave thee to possess and rule, 
No despicable gift: surmise not then 340 

His presence to these narrow bounds confined 
Of Paradise or Eden. This had been 
Perhaps thy capital seat, from whence had spread 
All-generations, and had hither come, 
From all the ends of the earth, to celebrate 
And reverence thee their great progenitor. 
But this pre-eminence thou hast lost, brought down 
To dwell on even ground now with thy sons. 
Yet doubt not but in valley, and in plain, 
God is, as here, and will be found alike 350 

Present; and of his presence many a sign. 
Still following thee, still compassing thee round 
With goodness and paternal love, his face 
Express, and of his steps the track divine. 
Which that thou mayst believe, and be confirmed 
Ere thou from hence depart, know I am sent 
To shew thee what shall come in future days 
To thee and to thy offspring. Good with bad 
ExpecJ"to bear, .supernal g-^ace contendiii£^ 



376 PARADISE LOST. 

With sinfulness of men; thereby to learn 360 
True patience, and to temper joy with fear 
And pious sorrow, equally inured 
By moderation either state to bear, 
Prosperous or adverse: so shalt thou lead 
Safest thy life; and best prepared endure 
Thy mortal passage when it comes. Ascend 
Tkis hill; let Eve — for I have drenched her eyes — 
Here sleep below, while thou to foresight wakesi ; 
As once thou .sleptest, while she to life was 

formed." 
To whom thus Adam gratefulh^ replied: 370 
"Ascend, I follow thee, safe guide, the path 
Thou leadest me, and to the hand of Heaven 

submit, 
However chastening; to the evil turn 
My obvious breast^ arming to overcome 
By suffering, and earn rest from labor won, 
If sol may attain." — So both ascend 
In the visions of God. It was a hill. 
Of Paradise tlie highest, from whose top 
The hemisphere of earth, in clearest ken. 
Stretched out to the amplest reach of prospect 

lay. 
Not higher that hill, nor wider looking 

round, 381 

Whereon for different causes the Tempter set 
Our second Adam, in the wilderness, 



BOOK XL 377 

To shew him all Earth's kingdoms and their 

glory. 
His eye might there command wherever stood 
City of old or modern fame, the seat 
Of mightiest empire, from the destined walls 
Of Cambalu, seat of Cathaian Can, 
And Samarchand by Oxus, Temir's throne. 
To Paquin of Sin^an kings; and thence 390 

To Agra and Labor of great Mogul, 
Down to the Golden Chersonese; or where 
The Persian in Ecbatan sat, or since 
In Hispahan or where the Russian Ksar 
In Mosco; or the Sultan in Bizance, 
Turchestan-born; nor could his eye not ken 
The empire of Negus, to his utmost port 
Ercoco, and the less maritime kings, 
Mombaza, and Quiloa, and Melind, 
And Sofala, thought Ophir, to the realm 400 
Of Congo, and Ar.gola farthest south; 
Or thence from Niger flood to Atlas mount. 
The kingdoms of Alraansor, Fez and Sus, 
Marocco and Algiers, and Tremisen; 
On Europe thence, 'and where Rome was to sway 
The world. In spirit perhaps he also saw 
Rich Mexico, the seat of Motezume, 
And Cusco in Peru, the richer seat 
Of AtabaJipa; and yet unspoiled 
Guiana, whos^ great city Geryon's sons 410 



378 PARADISE LOST. 

Call El Dorado. — But to nobler sio^hts 
Michael from Adam's eyes the film removed, 
Which that false fruit, that promised clearer sight. 
Had bred; then purged with euphrasy and rue 
The visual nerve — for he had much to see — 
And from the well of life three drops instilled. 
So deep the power of these ingredients pierced, 
Even to the inmost seat of men^^al sight, 
That Adam, now enforced so close his eyes, 
Sunk down, and all his spirits became en- 
tranced; 420 
But him the gentle Angel by the hand 
Soon raised, and his attention thus recalled: 

"Adam, now ope thine eyes, and first behold 
The effects which thy original crime hath wrought 
In some to spring from thee, who never touched 
The excepted tree, nor with the Snake conspired, 
Nor sinned thy sin, yet from that sin derive 
Corruption, to bring forth more violent deeds." 

His eyes he opened, and beheld a field, 
Part arable and tilth, whereon were sheaves 430 
New reaped, the other part sheep-walks and folds; 
In the midst an altar as the landmark stood, 
Rustic, of grassy sord. Thither anon 
A sweaty reaper from his tillage brought 
First-fruits, the green ear and the yellow sheaf, 
Unculled, as came to hand; a shepherd next. 
More meek, came with the firstlings of his flock, 



BOOK XI. 379 

Choicest and best; then sacrificing laid 
The inwards and their fat, with incense strewed, 
On the cleft wood, and all due rites per- 
formed. 440 
His offering soon propitious fire from heaven 
Consumed, with nimble glance and grateful steam; 
The other's not, for his was not sincere. 
Whereat he inly raged, and, as the}^ talked. 
Smote him into the midriff with a stone 
That beat out life; he fell, and deadly pale 
Groaned out his soul, with gushing blood effused. 
Much at that sight was Adam in his heart 
Dismayed, and thus in haste to the Angel cried: 

' '*0 Teacher, some great mischief hath befallen 
To that meek man, who well had sacrificed. 451 
Is piety thus and pure devotion paid?" 

To whom Michael thus. he also moved, replied: 
"These are two brethren, Adam, and to come 
Out of thy loins. The unjust the just hath slain, 
For envy that his brother's offering found 
From Heaven acceptance; but the bloody fact 
Will be avenged, and the other's faith approved 
Lose no reward, though here thou see him die. 
Rolling in dust and gore." — To which our 
sire: 460 

"Alas, both for the deed and for the cause! 
But have I now seen death? Is this the way 
I must return to native dust? O si.srht 



580 PARADISE LOST. 

Of terror, foul and ugly to behold, 
Horrid to think, how horrible to feel!" 

To whom thus Michael: — "Death thou hast 

seen 
In his first shape on Man; but many shapes 
Of Death, and many are the ways that lead 
To his grim cave all-dismal; 3'et to sense 
More terrible at the entrance than within. 470 
Some, as thou sawest, by violent stroke shall die. 
By fire, flood, famine, by intemperance more 
In meats and drink, which on the earth shall 

bring 
Disease dire, of which amonstrous crew 
Before thee shall appear; that thou mayst know 
What misery the inabstinence of Eve 
Shall bring on men." — Immediately a place 
Before his eyes appeared, sad, noisome, dark; 
A lazar-house it seemed, wherein were laid 
Numbers of all diseased, all maladies 480 

Of ghastly spasm, or racking torture, qualms 
Of heartsick agony, all feverous kinds, 
Convulsions, epilepsies, fierce catarrhs. 
Intestine stone and ulcer, colic pangs, 
Demoniac phrenzy, moping melancholy. 
And moonstruck madness, pining atrophy, 
Marasmus, and wide-wasting pestilence. 
Dropsies, and asthmas, and joint-racking 

rheums. 



BOOK XL 381 

Dire was the tossing, deep the groans; Despair 
Tended the sick, busiest from couch to 
couch ; 490 

And over them triumphant Death his dart 
Shook, but delayed to strike, though oft invoked 
With vows, as their chief good and final hope. 
Sight so deform what heart of rock could long 
Dry-eyed behold? Adam could not, but wept, 
Though not of woman born: compassion quelled 
His best of man, and gave him up to tears 
A space, till firmer thoughts restrained excess; 
And, scarce recovering words, his plaint renewed: 
*'0 miserable mankind, to what fall 500 

Degraded, to what wretched state reserved! 
Better end here unborn. Why is life given 
To be thus wrested from us ? rather why 
Obtruded on us thus ? who, if we knew 
What we receive, would either not accept 
Life offered, or soon beg to lay it down. 
Glad to be so dismissed in peace. Can thus 
The image of God in Man, created once 
So goodly and erect, though faulty since, 
To such unsightly sufferings be debased 510 

Under inhuman pains ? Why should not Man, 
Retaining still divine similitude 
In part, from such deformities be free. 
And for his Maker's image sake exempt?" 
' 'Their Maker' s image, ' ' answered Michael, "then 



382 PARADISE LOST. 

Forsook them, when themselves they vili6ed 
To serve iin governed Appetite, and took 
His image whom they served, a brutish vice, 
Inductive mainly to the sin of Eve. 
Therefore so abject is their punishment 5a;: 

Disfiguring not God's likeness, but their own; 
Or if his likeness, by themselves defaced, 
While they pervert pure Nature's healthful rule? 
To loathsome sickness; worthily, since they 
God's image did not reverence in themselves.'' 

*'I yield it just," said Adam, "and submit. 
But is there yet no other way beside 
These painful passages, how we may come 
To death, and mix with our connatural 
dust?" 529 

''There is," said Michael, "if thou well observe 
The rule of N'ol too much, by temperance taught, 
In what thou eatest and drinkest, seeking frooi 

thence 
Due nourishment, not gluttonous deligUr, 
Till many years over thy head return. 
So mayest thcu live, till, like ripe fruit, thou 

drop 
Into thy mother's lap, or be with ease 
Gathered, not harshly plucked, for death mature. 
This is old-age. But then thou must outlive 
Thy youth, thy strength, thy beauty, which will 
change 



BOOK^XL ^ 383 

To withered, weak, and gray; thy senses then, 540 

Obiuse, all taste of pleasure must forgo. 

To what thou hast; and, for the air of youth, 

Hopeful and cheerful, in thy blood will reign 

A melancholy damp of cold and dry 

To weigh thy spirits down, and last consume 

The balm of life." — To whom our ancestor: 

"Henceforth I fly not death, nor would prolong 
Life much; bent rather, how I may be quit, 
Fairest and easiest, of this cumbrous charge, 
Which I must keep till my appointed day 55G 
Of rendering up, and patiently attend 
My. dissolution. ' ' Michael replied: 

"Nor love thy life, nor hate; but what thou 
livest 
Live well; how long or short, permit to Heaven. 
And now prepare thee for another sight." 

He looked, and saw a spacious plain, whereon 
Were tents of various hue. By some were herds 
Of cattle grazing; others, whence the sound 
Of instruments, that made the melodious chime, 
Vas heard, of harp and organ, and who 
moved 560 

Their stops and chords were seen; his volent 

touch 
tnstinct, through all proportions low and high, 
Fled, and pursued transverse the resonant fugue, 
tn other part stood one, who at the forge s 



384 PARADISE LOST. 

I^aboring, two massy clods of iron and brass 
Had melted — whether found where casual fire 
Had wasted woods, on mountain or in vale, 
Down to the veins of earth, thence gliding hot 
To some cave's mouth, or whether washed by 

stream 
From underground. The liquid ore he drained 570 
Into fit moulds prepared; from which he formed 
First his own tools; then, what might else be 

wrought 
Fusil or graven in metal. After these, 
But on the hither side, a different sort, 
From the high neighboring hills, which was 

the'r seat, 
Down to the plain descended. By their guise 
Just men they seemed, and all their study bent 
To worship God aright, and know his works 
Not hid; nor those things last, which might 

preserve 
Freedom and peace to men. They on the plain 580 
Long had not walked, when from the tents behold 
A bevy of fair women, richly gay 
In gems and wanton dress; to the harp they sung 
Soft amorous ditties, and in dance came on. 
The men, though grave, eyed them, and let their 

eyes 
Rove without rein; till, in the amorous net 



BOOK XI. 355 

Fast caught, they liked and each his liking 

chose. 
And now of love they treat, till the evening-star. 
Love's harbinger, appeared; then all in heat 
They light the nuptial torch, and bid invoke 590 
Hymen, then first to marriage rites invoked: 
With feast and music all the tents rescund. 
Such happy interview, and fair event 
Of love and youth not lost, songs, garlands, 

flowers. 
And charming symphonies, attached the heart 
Of Adam, scon inclined to admit delight, 
The bent of nature; which he thus expressed: 

"True openef of mine eyes, prime Angel blest! 
Much better seems this vision, and more hope 
Of peaceful days portends, than those two 

past. 600 

Those viere of hate and death, or pain much 

worse; 
Here nature seems fulfilled in all her ends." 
To whom thus Michael: — "Judge not what is 

best 
By pleasure, though to nature seeming meet. 
Created, as thou art, to nobler end, 
Holy and pure, comformity divine. 
Those tents thou sawest so pleasant were the 

tents 
Of wickedness, wherein shall dw^ell his race 



386 PARADISE LOST. 

Who slew his brother. StndiouS'they appear 
Of arts that poHsh Hfe, inventors rare; 6id 

Unmindful of their Maker, though his Spirit 
Taught them; but they his gifts acknowledge 

none. 
Yet they a beauteous offspring shall beget; 
For that fair female troop thou sawest, that seemed 
Of goddesses, so bliihe, so smooth, so gay, 
Yet empty of all good, wherein consists 
Woman's oomestic honor and chief praise; 
Bred only and completed to the taste 
Of lustful appetence, to sing, to dance. 
To dress, and troll the tongue, and roll the 

eye . . . 620 

To these that sober race of men, whose lives 
Religious titled them the sons of God, 
Shall yield up all their virtue, all thais fame 
Ignobly, to the trains and to the smiles 
Of these fair atheists, and now swim in joy 
— Erelong to swim at large — and laugh; for whicH 
The world erelong a world of tears must weep." 

To which thus Adam, of short joy bereft: 
''O pity and shame, that they, who to live well 
Entered so fair, should turn aside to tread 630 
Paths indirect, or in the midway faint I 
But still I see the tenor of Man's woe 
Holds on the same, from Woman to begin," 
''From Man's effeminate slackness it begins,'* 



BOOK XL 387 

Said the Angel, ' 'who should better hold his place, 
By wisdom and superior gifts received. — 
But now prepare thee for another scene." 

He looked, and saw wide territory spread 
Before him, towns, and rural works between, 
Cities of men with lofty gates and towers, 640 
Concourse in arms, fierce faces threatening war, 
Giants of mighty bone and bold emprise. 
Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed, 
Single or in array of battle ranged, 
Both hoise and foot, nor idly mustering stood. 
One way a band select from forage drives 
A herd of beeves, fair oxen and fair kine, 
From a fat meadow ground, or fleecy flock, 
Ewes and their bleating lambs, over th€ plain, 
Their booty; scarce with life the shepherds fly, 650 
But call in aid, which makes a bloody fray. 
With cruel tournament the squadrons join; 
Where cattle pastured late, now scattered lies 
With carcasses and arms the ensanguined field, 
Deserted.'* Others to a city strong 
Lay siege, encamped, by battery, scale and mine, 
Assaulting; others from the wall defend 
With dart and javelin, stones and sulphurous fire; 
On each hand slaughter, and gigantic deeds. 
In other part the sceptred haralds call 660 

To council, in the city-gates. Anon 
Grey-headed men and grave, with warriors mixed. 



388 PARADISE LOST. 

Assemble, and harangues are heard; but soon 

In factious opposition; till at last, 

Of middle-age one rising, eminent 

In wise deport, spake much of right and wrong, 

Of justice, of religion, truth, and peace, 

And judgement from above. Him old and young 

Exploded, and had seized with violent hands, 

Had not a cloud descending snatched him 

thence, 670 

Unseen amid the throng. So violence 
Proceeded, and oppression, and sword-law, 
Through all the plain, and refuge none was found. 
Adam was all in tears, and to his guide 
Lamenting turned full sad: — ' 'Oh, what are these ? 
Death's iTiinisters, not men, who thus deal death 
Inhumanly to men, and multiply 
Ten-thousandfold the sin of him who slew 
His brother; for of whom such massacre 
Make they but of their brethren, men of men? 680 
But who was that just man, whom had not Heaven 
Rescued, had in his righteousness been lost?" 

To whom thus Michael :— "These are the product 
Of those ill-mated marriages thou sawest. 
Where good with bad were matched, who of 

themselves 
Abhor to join, and, by imprudence mixed, 
Produce prodigious births of body or mind. 
Such were these Giants, men of high renown; 



BOOK XI. 389 

For in those days might onl}^ shall be admired, 

And valor and heroic virtue called. 690 

To overcome in battle, and $ubdue 

Nations, and bring home spoils, with infinite 

Man-slaughter, shall be held the highest pitch. 

Of human glory, and, for glory done. 

Of triumph to be styled great Conquerors, 

Patrons of mankind, Gods, and sons of Gods; 

Destroyers rightlier called, and plagues of men. 

Thus fame shall be achieved, renown on earth, 

And what most merits fame in silence hid. 

But he, the seventh from thee, whom thou beheldest 

The only righteous in a world perverse, 701 

And therefore hated, therefore so beset 

With foes, for daring single to be just, 

And utter odious truth, that God would come 

To judge them with his Saints. . . him the Most 

High, 
Wrapped in a balmy cloud, with winged steeds, 
Did, as thou sawest, receive, to walk with God, 
High in salvation and the climes of bliss, 
Exempt from death: to shew thee what reward 
Awaits the good, the rest what punishment; 710 
Which now direct thine eyes and soon behold." 
He looked, and saw the face of things quite 
changed. 
The brazen throat of war had ceased to roar; 
All now was turned to jollity and game, 



390 PARADISE LOST, 

To luxur}^ and riot, feast and dance, 
Marrying or prostituting, as befell, 
Rape or adulter}^, \^fcere passing fair 
Allured them; thence from cups to civil broils. 
At length a reverend sire among them came . 
And of their doings great dislike declared, 720 
And testified against their ways: he oft 
Frequented their assemblies, whereso met, 
Triumphs or festivals, and to them preached 
Conversion and repentance, as to souls 
In prison, under judgements imminent; 
But all in vain. Which when he saw, he ceased 
Contending, and removed his tents far off. 
Then, from the mountain hewing timber tall, 
Began to build a vessel of huge bulk, 729 

Measured bycubic, length, and breadth, and highth, 
Smeared round with pitch, and in the side a door 
Contrived, and of provisions laid in large 
For man and beast: when lo, a wonder strange ! 
Of every beast, and bird, and insect small 
Came sevens and pairs, and entered in, as taught 
Their order; last the sire, and his three sons, 
With their four wives; and God made fast the door. 
Meanwhile*the south- wind arose, and, with black 

wings 
Wide-hovering, all the clouds together drove 
From under heaven; the hills, to their supply, 740 
Vapor and exhalation, dusk and moist, 



BOOK XL 391 

l^tit up amain; and now the thickened sky 
I^ike a dark ceiling stood: down rushed the rain 
Impetuous, and continued till the ^arth 
No more was seen. The floating vessel swum 
Uplifted, and secure, with beaked prow, 
Rode tilting o'er the waves; all dwellings else 
Flood overwhelmed, and them, with all their pomp, 
Deep underwater rolled; sea covered sea. 
Sea without shore; and in their palaces, 750 

Where luxury late reigned, sea-monsters whelped 
^nd stabled: of mankind, so numerous late. 
All left in one small bottom swum embarked. 
How didst thou grieve then, Adam, to behold 
The end of all thy offspring, end so sad, 
Depopulation! Thee another flood. 
Of tears and sorrow a flood, thee also drowned, 
And sunk thee as thy sons; till, gently reared 
By the Angel, on thy feet thou stoodest at last, 
Though comfortless; as when a father mourns 760 
His children, all in view destroyed at once; 
And scarce to the Angel utteredst thus thy plaint : 

"O visions ill foreseen! better had I 
Lived ignorant of future, so had borne 
My part of evil only, each day's lot 
Enough to bear. Those now, that were dispensed 
The burden of many ages, on me light 
At once, by my foreknowledge gaining birth 
Abortive, to torment me ere their being, 

I 



392 PARADISE LOST. 

With thought that they must be. Let no man 

seek 
Henceforth to4>e foretold what shall befall 771 
Him or his children; evil he may be sure, 
Which neither his foreknowing can prevent, 
And he the future evil shall, no less 
In apprehension than in substance, feel 
Grievous to bear. But that care now is past, 
Man is not whom to warn; those few escaped 
Famine and anguish will at last consume, 
Wandering that watery desert. I had hope, 
When violence was ceased and war on earth, 780 
All would have then gone well, peace would have 

crowned 
With length of happy days the race of Man. 
But I was far deceived; for now I see 
Peace to corrupt, no less than war to waste. 
How comes it thus ? unfold, celestial Guide, 
And whether here the race of Man will end." 
To whom thus Michael: — "Those, whom last 

thow sawest 
In triumph and luxurious wealth, are they 
First seen in acts of prowess eminent 
And great exploits, but of true virtue void; 790 
Who having spilt much blood, and done much 

waste, 
Subduing nations, and achieved thereby 
Fame in the world, high titles, and rich prey, 



BOOK XL 393 

Shall change their course to pleasure, ease, and 

sloth, 
Surfeit and lust, till wantonness and pride 
Raise out of friendship hostile deeds in peace. 
The conquered also and enslaved by war 
Shall, with their freedom lost, all virtue lose 
And fear of God, from whom their piety feigned 
In sharp contest of battle found no aid 800 

Against invaders; therefore, cooled in zeal, 
Thenceforth shall practise how to live secure, 
Worldly or dissolute, on what their lords 
Shall leave them to enjoy; for the earth shall bear 
More than enough, that temperance may be tried. 
So all shall turn degenerate, all depraved, 
Justice and temperance, truth and faith forgot; 
One man except, the only sun of light 
In a dark age, against example good, 
Against allurement, custom, and a world 810 
Offended; fearless of reproach and scorn, 
Or violence, he of their wicked ways 
Shall them admonish, and before them set 
The paths of righteousness, how much more safe^ 
And full of peace, denouncing wrath to come 
On their impenitence; and shall return 
Of them derided, but of God observed 
The one just man alive: by his command 
Shall build a wondrous ark, as thou bcheldest, 
To save himself and household, from amidst 820 



394 PARADISE LOST. 

A world devote to universal wrack. 
]N'o sooner lie, with them of man and beast 
Select for life, shall in the ark be lodged, 
And sheltered round, but all the cataracts 
Of heaven set open on the earth shall pour 
"Rain day and night; all fountains of the deep, 
Eroke up, shall heave the ocean to 'usurp 
Eeyond all bounds, till inundation rise 
Above the highest hills. Then shall this mount 
Of Paradise by might of waves be moved 830 
Out of his place, pushed by the horned flood, 
With all his verdure spoiled, and trees adrift, 
IDowa the Great River to the opening Gulf, 
And there take root an island salt and bare, 
The haunt of seals, and ores, and seamews' clang; 
To teach thee that God attributes to place 
J!*Jo sanctity, if none be thither brought 
Ey men who there frequent, or therein dwell. 
And now what further shall ensue behold." 
He looked, and saw the ark hull on the 
flood, 840 

Which now abated; for the clouds were fled, 
Driven by a keen north-wind, that blowing dry 
Wrinkled the face of deluge, as decayed; 
And the clear sun on his wide watery glass 
Gazed hot, and of the fresh wave largely drew. 
As after thirst, which made their flowing shrink 
prom standing lake to tripping ebb, that stole 



BOOK XL 395 

With soft foot toward the deep, who now had 

stoped 
His shiices, as the heaven his windows shut. 
The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground, 
Fast on the top of some high mountain fixed 851 
And now the tops of hills as rocks appear; 
With clamor thence the rapid currents drive. 
Toward the retreating sea, their furious tide. 
Forthwith from out the ark a raven flies. 
And after him, the surer messenger, 
A dove, sent forth once and again to spy 
Green tree or ground, whereon his foot may light; 
The second time returning, in his bill 
An olive-leaf he brings, pacific sign. 860 

Anon dr}^ ground appears, and trom his ark 
The ancient sire descends, with all his train. 
Then,* with uplifted hands and eyes devout, 
Grateful to Heaven, over his head beholds 
A dewy cloud, and in the cloud a bow. 
Conspicuous with three listed colors gay. 
Betokening peace from God, and covenant new. 
Whereat. the heart of Adam erst so sad 
Greatly rejoiced, and thus his joy broke forth: 

' 'O thou, who future things canst represent 870 
As present, heavenly Instructor] I revive 
At this last sight, assured that Man shall live, 
With all the . creatures, and their seed preserve. 
Far less I now lament for one whole world 



396 PARADISE LOST. 

Of wicked 30ns destroyed, than I rejoice 

For one man found so perfect and so just, 

That God vouchsafes to raise another world 

From him, and all his anger to forget. 

But say, what mean those colored streaks in 

heaven 
Distended ? as the brow of God appeased ? 880 
Or serve they as a flowery verge to bind 
The fluid skirts of that same watery cloud, 
lyest it again dissolve and shower the earth ? '' 
To whom the Archangel: — "Dexterously thou 

aimest. 
So willingly doth God remit his ire, 
Though late repenting him of Man depraved; 
Grieved at his heart, when looking down he saw 
The whole earth filled with violence, and all flesh 
Corrupting each their way; yet, those removed, 
Such grace shall one just man find in his 

sight, 890 

That he relents not to blot out mankind. 
And makes a convenant never to destroy 
The earth again by flood, nor let the se'a 
Surpass his, bounds, nor rain to drown the world, 
With man therein or beast; but, when he brings 
Over the earth a cloud, will therein set 
His triple-colored bow, whereon to look. 
And call to njind his covenant. Day and night, 



BOOK XL 397 

Seed-time and harvest, heat and hoary frost 899 
Shall hold their course, till fire purge all things 

new, 
Both heaveii and earth, wherein the just shall 

dwell. '* 



PARADISE LOST. 

BOOK XII. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

The Angel Michael continues, from the Flood, to 
relate what shah succeed; then, in the mention of 
Abraham, comes by decrees to explain who that Seed 
of the Woman shall be, which was promised Adam 
and Eve ia the Fall; his incarnation, death, resurrec- 
tion, and ascension; the state of the Church till his 
second coming-. Adam, greatly satisfied and recom- 
i -forted by these reMtions and promises, descends the 
hill with Michael; wakens Eve, who all this while 
had slept, but with gentle dreams composed to quiet- 
ness of mind and submission. ]Vliohael in either hand 
leads them out of Paradise, the fiery sword waving 
behind them, and the Cherubim taking their stations 
to guard the place. 

As one who in his journey baits at moon, 
Though bent on speed, so here the Archangel 

paused, 
Betwixt the world destroyed and ^vorld restored, 
If Adam aught perhaps might interpose; 
Then with transition sweet new speech resumes: 
"Thus thou hast seen one world begin and 

end; 
And Man as from a second stock proceed. 
Much thou hast yet to see, but I perceive 



BOOK XII. 



399 



^hy mortal sight to fail; objects divine 
Must needs impair and weary human sense. lo 
Henceforth what is to come I will relate; 
Thou therefore give due audience, and attend. 

"This second source of men, while yet but few, 
And while the dread of judgement past remains 
Fresh in their minds, fearing the Deity, 
With some regard to what is just and right 
Shall lead their lives, and multiply apace, . 
Laboring the soil, and reaping plenteous crop, 
Corn, wine, and oil; and, from the herd or flock. 
Oft sacrificing bullock, lamb, or kid, 20 

.With large wine-offerings poured, aijd sacred feast, 
Shall spend their days in joy unblamed, and dwell 
Long time in peace, by families and tribes, 
Under paternal rule: till one shall rise 
Of proud ambitious heart, who, nut content 
With fair equality, fraternal state, 
Will arrogate dominion undeserved 
Over his brethren, and quite dispossess 
Concord and law of Nature from the earth; 
Hurting — and men not beasts shall be his game— 
With war and hostile snare such as refuse 31 

Subjection to his empire tyrannous. 
A. mighty hunter thence he shall be styled 
Before the Lord, as in despite of Hjaven, 
Or from Heavien claiming second sovranty; 
And from rebellion shall derive his name, 



400 ^ PARADISE LOST, 

Though of rebellion others be accuse. 
He, with a crew, whom like ambitici joins 
With him, or under him to tyrannize, 
Marching from Eden toward the west, sh^If 

find 40 

The plain, wherein a black bituminous gurge 
Boils out from underground, the mouth of Hell. 
Of brick and of that stuff they cast to build 
A city and tower, whose top may reach to Heaven; 
And get themselves a name; lest, far dispersed 
In foreign lands, their memory be lost; 
Regardless whether good or evil fame. 
But God, who oft descends to visit men. 
Unseen, and through their habitations walks. 
To mark their doings, them beholding soon, 50 
Comes down to see their city, ere the tower , 
Obstruct Heaven-towers, and in derision sets 
Upon their tongues a various spirit, to rase 
Quite out their native language, and, instead, 
To sow a jangling noise of words unknown. 
Forthwith a hideous gabble rises loud 
Among the builders; each to other calls. 
Not understood, all hoarse, and all in rage. 
As mocked they storm. Great laughter was in 

Heaven 
And looking down, to see the hubbub strange 60 
And hear the din : thus was the budding left 
Ridiculous, and the work Confusion named." 



BOOK XII. 40I 

Whereto thus Adam, fatherly displeased : 
"O execrable son! so to aspire 
Above his brethren, to himself assuming 
Authority usurped, from God not given. 
He gave us only over beast, fish, fowl, 
Dominion absolute; that right we hold 
By his donation; but man over men 
He made not lord; such title to himself 70 

Reserving, human left from human free. 
But this usurper his encroachment proud 
Stays not on Man; to God his tower intends 
Seige and defiance. Wretched man! what food 
Will he convey up thither, to sustain 
Himself and his rash army? where thin air 
Above the clouds will pine his entrails gross, 
And famish him of breath, if not of bread." 
To whom thus Michael: — "Justly thou abhorrest 
That son, who on the quiet state of men 80 

Such trouble brought, affecting to subdue 
Rational liberty; yet know withal, 
Since thy briginal lapse, true liberty 
Is lost, which always with right reason dwells, 
Twinned, and from her hath no dividual being. 
Reason in man obscured, or not obeyed. 
Immediately inordinate desires 
And upstart passions catch the government 
From reason, and to servitude reduce 
Man, till then free. Therefore, since he permits 90 



402 



PARADISE LOST. 



Within himself unworthy powers to reign 
Over free reason, God, in judgement just, 
Subjects him from without to violent lords. 
Who, oft as undeservedly, enthral 
His outward freedom. Tyranny must be; 
Though to the tyrant thereby no excuse. 
Yet sometimes nations will decline so low 
From virtue, which is reason, that no wrong. 
But justice, and some fatal curse annexed, 
Deprives them of their outward liberty, loc 

Their inward lost: witness the irreverent son 
Of him who built the ark, who, for the shame 
Done to his father, heard this heavy curse, 
Servant of Servants, on his vicious race. 

"Thus will this latter, as the former world. 
Still tend from bad to worse, till God at last, 
Wearied with their iniquities, withdraw 
His presence from among them, and avert 
His holy ey-^s; resolving from thenceforth 
To leave them to their own polluted ways, no 
And one peculiar nation to select 
From all the rest, of whom to be invoked; 
A nation from one faithful man to spring. 
Him on this side Euphrates yet residing. 
Bred up in idol-worship; Oh, that men 
— Canst thou believe? — should be so stupid grown. 
While yet the patriarch lived who scaped the 
Flood, 



BOOK XI2. 403 

As to forsake the living God, and fa^U 

To worship their own work, in wood and stone, 

For gods! Yet him God the Mosr High vouchsafes 

To call by vision, from his father's house, 121 

His kindred and false gods, into a 'and 

Which he will shew him, and from him will raise 

A mighty nation, and upon him shower 

His^ benediction so, that in his seed 

All nations shall be blest. He straight obeys, 

Not knowing to what land, yet firm believes. 

I see him, but thou canst not^ with what faith 

He leaves his gods, his friends, and native soil, 

"Dr of Chaldaea, passing now the ford 130 

To Haran; after him a cumbrous train 

Of herds and flocks, and numerous servitude; 

Not wandering poor, but trusting all his wealth 

With God, who called him, in a land unknown. 

Canaan he now attains; I see his tents 

Pitched about Sechem, and the neighboring plain 

Of Moreh; there by promise he receives 

Gift to his progeny of all that land. 

From Hamath northward to the desert south 

— Things by their names I call, though yet 

unnamed — 
From Hermon east to the great western Sea; 141 
Mount Hermon, yonder sea, each place behold 
In prospect, as I point them- on the shore 
Mount Carmelr here the double-founted stream. 



404 PARADISE LOST. 

Jordan, true limit eastward; but his sons 

Shall dwell to Senir, that long ridge of hills. 

This ponder, that all nations of^tlie earth 

Shall in his seed be blessed. By that seed 

Is meant thy great Deliverer, who shall bruise 

The Serpent's head; whereof to thee anon 150 

Plainlier shall be revealed. This patriarch blest. 

Whom fa thful Abraham due time shall call, , 

A son, and of his son a grandchild, leaves, 

Like him in faith, in wisdom, and renown. 

The grandchild, with twelve sons increased, departs 

From Canaan, to a land hereafter called 

Egypt, divided by the river Nile. 

See where it flows, disgorging at seven mouths 

Into the sea. To st journ in that land 

He comes, invited by a younger son 160 

In time of dearth, a son whose wonhy deeds 

Raise him to be the second in that realm 

Of Pharaoh. There he dies, and leaves his race 

Growing into a nation, and now grown 

Suspected to a sequent king, who seeks 

To stop their overgrowth, as inmate guests 

Too numerous; whence of guests he makes them 

slaves, 
Inhospitably, and kills their infant males: 
Till by two brethren — those two brethren call 
Moses and Aaron — sent from God to claim 170 
His people from enthralment, they return, 



BOOK XIL 405 

With glory and spoil, back to their promised land. 
But -first the lawless tyrant, who denies 
To know their God, or message to regard, 
Must be compelled by signs and judgements dire. 
To blood unshed the rivers must be turned; 
Frogs, lice, and flies must all his palace fill 
With loathed intrusion, and fill all the land; 
His cattle must of rot and murrian die; 
Blotches and blains must all his flesh emboss, 180 
And all his people; thunder mixed w4th hail. 
Hail mixed with fire, must rend the Egyptian sky, 
And wheel on the earth, devouring where it rolls; 
What it devours not, herb, or fruit, or grain, 
A darksome cloud of locusts swarming down 
Must eat, and on the ground leave nothing green; 
Darkness must overshadow all his bounds. 
Palpable darkness, and blot out three days; 
I^ast, with one midnight-stroke, all the first-born 
Of Egypt must lie dead. Thus with ten wounds 190 
The river-dragon tamed at length submits 
To let his sojourners depart, and oft 
Humbles his stubborn heart, but still, as ice. 
More hardened after thaw; till, in his rage, 
Pursuing w^hom he late dismissed, the sea 
Swallows him with his host; but them lets past, 
As on dry land, between two crystal walls. 
Awed by the rod of Moses so to stand 
Divided, till his rescued gained their shore: 



4o6 PARADISE LOST, 

Such wondrous power God to his Saint will- 
lend, 200' 
Though present in his Angel, who shall go 
Before them in a cloud and pillar of fire 
— By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire — 
To guide them in their journey, and remove 
Behind them, while the obdurate king pursues. 
All night he will pursue, but his approach 
Darkness defends between till morning-watch; 
Then, through the fiery pillar and the cloud, 
God looking forth will trouble all his host. 
And craze their chariot-wheels; when by command 
Moses once more his potent rod extends 211 
Over the sea; the sea his rod obeys; 
On their embattled ranks the waves return, 
^nd overwhelm thbir war. The race elect 
Safe toward Canaan from the shore advance, 
Through the wild Desert, not the readiest way; 
Lest, entering on the Canaanite alarmed, 
War terrify them inexpert, and fear 
Return them back to Egypt, choosing rather 
Inglorious life with servitude; for life 220 
To noble ana ignoble is more sweet 
Untrained in arms, where rashness leads not on. 
This also shall they gain by their delay 
In the wide wilderness, there they shall found 
Their government, and their great Senate choose, 



BOOK XI I. 407 

Through the twelve tribes, to rule by laws 

ordained. 
God, from the Mount of Sinai, whose grey top 
Shall tremble, he descending, will himself 
In thunder, lightning, and loud trumpet^ sound, 
Ordain them laws; part, such as appertain 230 
To civil justice; part, religious rights 
Of sacrifice, informing them, by types 
And shadows, of that destined Seed to bruise 
The Serpent, by what means he shall achieve 
Mankind's deliverance. But the voice of God 
To mortal ear is dreadful: they beseech 
•That Moses might report to them his will, 
And terror cease; he grants what they besought, 
Instructed that to God is no access 
Without Mediator, whose high office now 240 
Moses in figure bears, to introduce 
One greater, of whose day he shall foretell, 
And all the Prophets, in their age, the times 
Of great Messiah shall sing. Thus laws and rites 
Established, such delight hath God in men 
Obedient to his will, that he vouchsafes 
Among them to set up his tabernacle, 
The Holy One with mortal men to dwell. 
By his prescript a sanctuary is framed 
Of cedar, overlaid with gold; therein 250 

An ark, and in the ark his testimony, 
The records of his covenant; over these 



4o8 PARADISE LOST. 

A mercy-seat of gold, between the wings 

Of two bright Cherubim; before him burn 

Seven lamps, as in a Zodiac representing 

The heavenly fires. Over the tent a cloud 

Shall r^t by day, a fiery gleam by night, 

Save when they journey; and at length they 

come, ' 

Conducted by his Angel, to the land 
Promised to Abraham and his seed. The rest 260 
Were long to tell; how many battles fought. 
How many kings destroyed, and kingdoms won, 
Or how the sun shall in mid-heaven stand still, 
A day entire, and night's due course adjourn, 
Man's voice commanding, 'Sun in Gibeon stand, 
And thou, moon, in the vale of Aialon, 
Till Israel overcome! ' so call the third 
From Abraham, son of Isaac, and from him 
His whole descent, who thus shall Cailaan win." 
Here Adam interposed: — "O sent from Heaven, 
Enlightener of my darkness! gracious things 271 
Thou hast revealed, those chiefly which concern 
Just Abraham and his seed. Now first I find 
Mine eyes true opening, and my heart much 

eased, 
Krewhile perplexed with thoughts what would 

become 
Of me and all mankind; but now I see 
His day, in whom all nations shall be blest, 



BOOK XIL . 409 

Favor unmerited by me, who sought 
Forbidden knowledge by forbidden means. 
This 3^et I apprehend not, why to those 280 

Among whom God will deign to dwell on Barth 
So many and so various laws are given; 
So many laws argue so many sins 
Among them; how can God with such reside?" 
To whom thus Michael: — "Doubt not but that 
sin 
Will reign among them, as thee begot; 
And therefore was law given them, to evince 
Their natural pravity, by stirring up 
Sin against law to fight; that, when they see 
Law can discover sin, but not remove, 290 

Save by those shadowy expiations weak 
The blood of bulls and goats, they may conclude 
Some blood more precious must be paid for Man, 
Just for unjust, that in such righteousness, 
To them by faith imputed, they may find 
Justification toward God, and peace 
Of conscience, which the law by ceremonies 
Cannot appease, nor man the moral part 
Perform, and not performing cannot live. 
So law appears imperfect, and but given 300 

With purpose to resign them in full time 
Up to a better covenant, disciplined 
From shadowy types to truth, from flesh to spirit. 
From imposition of strict laws to free 



4IO PARADISE LOST. 

Acceptance of large grace, from servile fear 

To filial, works of law to works of faith. 

And therefore shall not Moses, though of God 

Highly beloved, being but the minister 

Of law, his people into Canaan lead; 

But Joshua, whom the Gentiles Jesus call, 310 

His name and office bearing, who shall quell 

The adversary Serpent, and bring back, 

Through the world's wilderness long wandered 

Man 
Safe to eternal Paradise of rest. 
Meanwhile they, in their earthly Canaan placed, 
I^ong time shall dwell and prosper, but when sins 
National interrupt their public peace, 
Provoking God to raise them enemies; 
From whom as oft he saves them penitent 
By Judges first, then under Kings; of whom 320 
The second, both for piety renowned 
And puissant deeds, a promise shall receive 
Irrevocable, that his regal throne 
For ever shall endure. The like shall sing 
All Prophecy, that of the royal stock 
Of David — so I name this king — sliall rise 
A son, the Woman's Seed, to thee foretold, 
Foretold to Abraham, as in whom vsliall trust 
All nations, and to kings foretold of kings 
The last, for of his reign shall be no end. 330 
But firsc a lon^: succession must ensue, 



BOOK XII. 411 

And his next son, for 'wealth and wisdom famed, 

The clouded ark of God, till then in tents 

Wandering, shall in a glorious temple enshrine. 

Such follow him as shall be registered 

Part good, part bad; of bad the longer scroll, 

Whose foul idolatries and other faults, 

Heaped to the popular sum, will so incense 

God, as to leave them, and expose their land. 

Their city, his temple, and his holy ark, 340 

With all his sacred things, a scorn and prey 

To that proud city, whose high, walls thou sawest 

Left in confusion, Babylon thence called. 

There in captivity he lets them dwell. 

The space of seventy years, then brings them 

back, 
Remembering mercy, and his covenant sworn 
To David, stablished as the days of Heaven. 
Returned from Babylon,, by leave of kings. 
Their lords, whom God disposed, the house of 

God 
They first re-edify, and for a while 350 

In mean estate live moderate, till, grown 
In wealth and multitude, factious they grow. 
But first among the priests dissension springs, 
Men who attend the altar, and should most 
Endeavor peace! Their strife pollution brings 
Upon the temple itself: at last they seize 
The sceptre, and regard not David's sons, 



4if PARADISE LOST. 

Then lose it to a stranger, that the true 
Anointed King, Messiah, might be born 
Barred of his right; yet at his birth a star, 360 
Unseen before in heaven, proclaims him come, 
And guides the eastern sages, who inquire 
His place, to offer incense, myrrh, and gold. 
His place of birth a solemn Angel tells 
To simple shepherds, keeping watch by night; 
They gladly thither haste, and, by a quire 
Of squadroned Angels, hear his carol sung. 
A Virgin is his mother, but his sire 
The Power of the Most High. He shall ascend 
The throne heieditary, and bojind his reign 370 
With earth's wide bounds, his glory with the 

heavens." 
He ceased, discerning Adam with such joy 
Surcharged, as had, like grief, been dewed in 

tears. 
Without the vent of words, which these he 

breathed: 
"O prophet of glad tidings, finisher 
Of utmost hope! now clear I understand 
What oft my steadiest thoughts have searched 

in vain; 
Why our great Expectation should be called 
The Seed of Woman, Virgin Mother, hail! 
High in the love of Heaven, yet from my loins 380 
Thou shalt proceed, and from thy womb the Son 



BOOK Xir. 413 

Of God Most High: so God with Man unites. 
Needs must the Serpent now his capital bruise 
Expect with mortal pain. Say where and when 
Their fight, what stroke vshall bruise the victor's 

heel." 
To whom tHus Michael: — ** Dream not of their 

fight, 
As of a duel, or the local wounds 
Of head or heel. Not therefore joins the Son 
Manhood to Godhead, with more strength to foil 
Thy enemy; nor so is overcome 390 

Satan, whose fall from Heaven, a deadlier bruise, 
Disabled not to give thee thy death's wound; 
Which he, who comes thy Savior, shall recure. 
Not by destroying Satan, but his works 
In thee and in thy seed; nor can this be, 
But by fulfilling that which thou didst want, 
Obedience to the law of God, imposed 
On penalty of death; and suffering death. 
The penalty to thy transgression due, 
And due to theirs which out of thine will 

grow; 400 

So only can high justice rest appaid. 
The law of God exact he shall fulfil, 
Both by obedience and by love, though love 
Alone fulfil the law; thy punishment 
He shall endpre, by coming in the flesh 
To a reproachful life and cursed death; 



414 PARADISE LOST. 

Proclaiming life to all who shall believe 
In his redemption, and that "his obedience 
Imputed becomes theirs by faith, his merits 
To save them, not their own, though legal, 
works. ' 41a 

For this he shall live hated, be blasphemed, 
Seized on by force, judged, and lo death con- 
demned, 
A shameful and accursed, nailed to the cross, 
By his own nation, slain for bringing life; 
But to the cross he nails thy enemies, 
The law that is against thee, and the sins 
Of all mankind, with him there crucified, 
Never to hurt them more who rightly trust 
In this his satisfaction : so he dies. 
But soon revives; Death over him no power 420, 
Shall long usurp. Ere the third dawning light 
Return, the stars of morn shall see him rise 
Out of his grave, fresh as the dawning light, 
Thy ransom paid, which Man from death redeems; 
His death f >r Man, as mau}^ as offered life 
Neglect not, and the benefit embrace, 
By faith not void of works. This godlike act 
Annuls thy doom, the death thou shouldest hav< 

died, 
In sin forever lost from life; this act 
Shall bruise the head of Satan, crush his 
strength, 430 



BOOK Xn. 415 

r^efeating Sin and Death, his two main arms, 
And fix far deeper in his head their stings 
Than temporal death shall bruise the victor's heel. 
Or theirs whom he redeems, — a death like sleep, 
A gentle wafting to immortal life. 
Nor, after resurrection, shall he stay 
Ivonger on earth than certain times to appear 
To his disciples, men who in his life 
Still followed him; to them shall leave in charge 
To teach all nations what of him they learned 440 
And his salvation, them who shall believe 
Baptizing in the profluent stream; the sign 
Of washing them from guilt of sin to life 
Purcf and in mind prepared, if so befall, 
For death, like that which the Redeemer died. 
All nations they shall teach; for from that day 
Not only to the sons of Abraham's loins 
Salvation shall be preached, but to th<^ sons 
Of Abraham's faith, wherever through the world; 
So in his seed all nations shall be blest. 45a 

Then to the Heaven-of-heavens he shall ascend 
With victory, triumphing throtigh the air 
Over his foes and thine; there shall surprise 
The Serpent, prince of air, and drag in chains. 
Through all his realm, and there confounded leave: 
Then enter into glory, and resume 
His seat at God's right hand, exalted high 
Above all names in Heaven; and thence shall come. 



4i6 PARADISE LOST. 

When this World's dissolution shall be ripe, 
With glory and power to judge both quick and 

dead; 
To judge the unfaithful dead, but to reward 461 
His faithful, and receive them into bliss. 
Whether in Heaven or Earth; for then the Earth 
Shall all be Paradise, far happier place 
Than this of Eden, and far happier days." 

So spake the Archangel Michael; then paused, 
As at the World's great period; and our sire, 
Replete with joy and wonder, thus replied: 
"O Goodness infinite, Goodness immense! 
That all this good of evil shall produce, 470 

And evil turn to good; more wonderful 
Than that which by creation first brought forth 
Light out of darkness! Full of doubt I stand. 
Whether I should repent me now of sin, 
B}^ me done and occasioned, or rejoice 
Much more, that much more good thereof shall 

spring; 
To God more glory, more good-will to men 
From God, and over wrath grace shall abound 
But sa)^, if our Deliverer up to Heaven 
Must reascend, what will betide the few, 480 

His faithful, left among the unfaithful herd, 
The enemies of truth ? Who then shall guide 
His people, who defend? Will they not deal 



BOOK XII. 417 

Wot5e with his followers than with him they 

dealt?" 
"Be sure they will," said the Angel; "but from 

Heaven 
He to his own a Comforter will send, 
The promise of the Father, who shall dwell, 
His Spirit, within them, and the law of faith 
Working through love upon their hearts shall 

write. 
To guide them in all truth; and also arm 490 
With spiritual armor, able to resist 
Satan's assaults, and quench his fiery darts; 
What man can do against them not afraid. 
Though to the death; against such cruelties 
With inward consolations recompensed, 
And oft supported so as shall amaze 
Their proudest persecutors. For the Spirit 
Poured first on his Apostles, whom he sends 
To evangelize the Rations, then on all 
Baptized, shall them with wondrous gifts 

endue S^o 

To speak all tongues, and do all miracles, 
As did their Lord before theiu. Thus they win 
Great numbers of each nation to receive 
With joy the tidings brought from Heaven: at 

length, 
Their ministry performed, and race well run, 
Their doctrine and their story written left, 



4i8 PARADISE LOST. 

They die: but in their room, as they forewarn, 
Wolves shall succeed for teachers, grievous 

wolves, 
Who all the sacred mysteries of Heaven 
To their own vile advantage shall turn 510 

Of lucre and ambition, and the truth 
With superstitions and traditions taint, 
lyeft only in those written records pure, 
Though not but by the Spirit understood. 
Then shall they seek to avail themselves of names, 
Places, and titles, and with these to join 
Secular power; though feigning still to act 
By spiritual, to themselves appropriating.. 
The Spirit of God, promised alike and given 
To all believers; and from that pretence 520 

Spiritual laws by carnal power shall force 
On every conscience; laws which none shall find 
lyeft them inrolled, or what the Spirit within 
Shall on the heart engrave. What will they then 
But force the Spirit of Grace itself, and bind 
His consort, Liberty? what, but unbuild 
His living temples, built by faith to stand, 
Their own faith, not another's? for, en Earth, 
Who against faith and conscience can be heard 
Infallible? yet many will presume. 530 

Whence heavy persecution shall arise 
On all who in the worship persevere 
Of spirit and truth; the rest, far greater patt. 



BOOK XII. 4i<, 

Will deem in outward rites and specious forms 
Religion satisfied; Truth shall retire 
Bestuck with slanderous darts, and works of faith 
Rarely be found. So shall the world go on, 
To good malignant; to bad men benign, 
Under her own weight groaning; till the day 
Appear of respiration to the just, 540 

And vengeance to the wicked, at return 
Of Him so lately promised to thy aid, - 
The Woman's Seed, obscurely then foretold, 
Now amplier known thy Savior and thy Lord; 
Last, in the clouds, from Heaven to be revealed 
In glory of the Father, to dissolve 
Satan with his perverted world; then raise 
From the conflagrant mass, purged and refined, 
New heavens, new earth, ages of endless date. 
Founded in righteousness, and peace, and love, 550 
To bring forth fruits, joy and eternal bliss." 

He ended; and thus Adam last replied: 
"How soon hath thy prediction, Seer blest, 
Measured this transient World, the race of Time, 
Till Time stand fixed! beyond is all abyss, 
Eternity, whose end no eye can reach. 
Greatly instructed I shall hence depart, 
Greatly in peace of thought, and have my fill 
Of knowledge, what this vessel can contain; 
Beyond which was my folly to aspire. 560 

Henceforth I learn, that to obey is best. 



420 PARADISE LOST. 

And love with fear the only God, to walk 

As in his presence, ever to observe 

His providence, and on him sole depend, 

Merciful over all his works, with ^ood 

Still overcoming evil, and by small 

Accomplishing great things, by things deemed 

weak 
Subverting worldly-strong, and worldly-wise 
By simply-meek; that suffering for truth's sake 
Is fortitude to highest victory, 570 

And, to the faithful, death the gate of life; 
Taught this by his example, whom I now 
Acknowledge my Redeemer ever blest." 

To whom thus also the Angel last replied: 
**This having learned, thou hast attained the sum 
Of wisdom; hope no higher, though all the stars 
Thou knewest by name, and all the ethereal 

powers, 
All secrets of the Deep, all Nature's works. 
Or works of God in heaven, air, earth, or sea. 
And all the riches of this world enjoyedst, 580 
And all the rule, one empire. Only add 
Deeds to thy knowledge answerable; add faith, 
Add virtue, patience, temperance; add love, 
By name to come called charity, the soul 
Of all the rest; then wilt thou not be loth 
To leave this Paradise, but shall possess 
A Paradise within thee, happier far. — 



BOOK XII. 421 

lyCt US descend now therefore from this top 
Of speculation; for the hour precise 
Kxacts our parting hence. And see! the 
guards, 59Q 

By me encamped on yonder hill, except 
Their motion; at whose front a flaming sword, 
In signal of remove, waves fiercely round. 
We may no longer stay: go, waken Kve. 
Her also I with gentle dreams have calmed, 
Portending good, and all her spirits composed 
To meek submission thou, at season fit. 
Let her with thee partake what thou hast heard; 
Chiefly what may concern her faith to know, 
The great deliverance by her seed to come — 600 
For by the Woman's Seed — on all mankind; 
That 3^e may live, which wall be many days, 
Both in one faith unanimous, though sad 
With cause for evils past, yet much more cheered 
With meditation on the happy end." 

He ended, and they both descend the hill. 
Descended, Adam to the bower where Kve 
Lay sleeping ran before her, but found her waked, 
And thus with words not sad she him received: 

"Whence thou returnest, and whither wen test, 

I know; • 610 

For God is also in sleep, and dreams advise, 

Which he hath sent propitious, some great good 

Presaging, since with sorrow and heart's distress 



422 FAA\iDJSE LOST. 

I 
Wearied I fell asleep. But now lead onj 
In me is no dela}^- with thee to go, 
Is to stay here; without thee here to stay, 
Is to go hence unwilling; thou to me 
Art all tli'ngs under heaven, all places thou, 
Who for my wilful crime art banished hence. 
This further consolation yet secure 620 

I carry hence; though all by me is lost, 
inch favor I unworthy am vouchsafed, 
By me the Promised Seed shall all restore." 

So spake our mother Eve, and Adam heard 
Well pleased, but answered not; for now too nigh 
Tiie Archangel stood, and from the other hill 
To their fixed station, all in bright array, 
The Cherubim descended; on the ground 
Gliding meteorous, as evening mist, 
Risen from a river, o'er the marish glides, 630 
And gathers round fast at the laborer's heel, 
Homeward returning. High in front advanced, 
The banished sword of God before them blazed, 
Fierce as a comet, which with torrid heat, 
And vapor as the Libyan air adust. 
Began to parch that temperate clime; whereat 
In either hand the hastening Angel caught 
Our lingering parents, and to the eastern gate 
Led them direct, and down the cliff as fast 
To the subjected plain; then disappeared. 640 
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld 



BOOK XIl. 423 

Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, 
Waved over by that flaming brand; the gate 
With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms. 
Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them 

soon; 
The world was all before them, where to choose 
Their place of rest, and Province their guide. 
They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and 

slow. 
Through Eden took their solitary way. 

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